At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence projects by developing and managing integrated schedules using Primavera P6.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman, a leader in defence and aerospace with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, holiday schemes, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Mentor junior planners and collaborate with diverse teams for innovative solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project planning, especially in defence or aerospace, and expertise in Primavera P6.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 80000 £ per year.
UK citizenship required. Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance type: UK‑Security Check (SC). Travel: Yes, 10% of the time. Salary: £53,000 - £80,000.
As a Senior Project Planner you will support our PMO and programme teams in delivering some of the UK’s most complex defence projects. You will develop integrated project schedules using Primavera P6, provide schedule leadership, analysis and insight, and ensure alignment with contractual, commercial and technical objectives across the full programme lifecycle.
Role Responsibilities- Develop, maintain and control fully integrated master schedules using Primavera P6 for large, multi‑workstream defence programmes.
- Ensure schedules are logically linked, baselined and structured in line with best practice and contractual requirements.
- Provide proactive planning support including critical path analysis, what‑if modelling and recovery planning.
- Identify, analyse and manage schedule risks and opportunities, integrating mitigations into programme schedules.
- Support bids and proposals by creating compliant, credible Primavera P6 schedules and planning inputs.
- Apply Earned Value Management to track schedule performance, support variance analysis and assess change impacts.
- Conduct and support schedule risk analysis, including quantitative modelling, and present findings to senior stakeholders.
- Produce clear, high‑quality schedule performance reports and dashboards for internal and customer reviews.
- Support internal and external audits related to planning, EVM and risk.
- Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing and commercial teams to maintain schedule integrity.
- Provide mentoring and oversight to junior planners and act as a subject‑matter expert in Primavera P6, EVM and schedule risk management.
- Significant experience in project planning and scheduling within defence, aerospace or other complex engineering environments.
- Expert, hands‑on knowledge of Primavera P6 for developing and managing integrated master schedules.
- Proven experience applying Earned Value Management to monitor schedule performance.
- Experience conducting schedule risk analysis and interpreting quantitative risk outputs.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate complex schedule data clearly.
- Experience coordinating integrated schedules across multi‑disciplinary teams and suppliers.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and fluent in written and spoken English.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage constructively with diverse stakeholders.
- Flexible and hybrid working options, including the opportunity for a compressed fortnight.
- Private healthcare and cash health plan.
- Holiday buy/sell scheme.
- Career development programmes and professional training.
- Performance‑based bonuses.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply.
Senior Planner employer: 1120 NG UK Limited.
At Northrop Grumman, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the defence sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive career development programmes and professional training, alongside flexible working options that promote work-life balance. With competitive benefits such as private healthcare and performance-based bonuses, we ensure our team members are well-supported while contributing to some of the UK's most complex projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your Primavera P6 skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects. We want to see your expertise shine through, so practice articulating your experience with integrated master schedules and Earned Value Management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've tackled schedule risks and opportunities in previous roles. We love candidates who can think critically and present complex data clearly, so have some stories ready to share.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience with Primavera P6 and any relevant projects you've worked on in defence or complex engineering environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about project planning and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Earned Value Management and schedule risk analysis.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past projects. We love seeing how you can communicate complex information clearly, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1120 NG UK Limited.
✨Master the Tools
Make sure you're well-versed in Primavera P6 before your interview. Brush up on how to develop and manage integrated master schedules, as this will be a key part of your role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used the software in past projects will really impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by discussing your experience with Earned Value Management and schedule risk analysis. Bring along examples of how you've tracked schedule performance and managed risks in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the complexities of the projects you'll be working on.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since strong interpersonal skills are essential, think of instances where you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders. Be ready to share how you’ve collaborated with different teams to maintain schedule integrity. This will highlight your ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in project planning and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
