At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain integrated project schedules for complex defence programmes.
- Company: Leading defence organisation committed to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in project planning, especially in defence or regulated environments.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring junior planners.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 57500 £ per year.
The Senior Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and assuring fully integrated project schedules for complex defence programmes. The role supports effective decision-making by providing accurate planning data, schedule analysis, and risk-informed forecasts aligned with defence governance and assurance requirements.
Working closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Commercial, and Risk teams, the Senior Planner ensures that programme schedules reflect scope, cost, risk, and resource constraints, and comply with contractual and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities- Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain integrated, resource- and cost-loaded schedules across the full project lifecycle (design, manufacture, test, acceptance, and in-service support).
- Establish planning structures aligned to WBS, CBS, and contract deliverables.
- Ensure schedules comply with defence and organisational planning standards and best practice.
- Programme Control & Reporting
- Provide schedule performance analysis including critical path, float, dependencies, and milestones.
- Support Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule health assessments.
- Produce clear, accurate planning reports for internal governance, senior stakeholders, and external customers.
- Risk & Change Management
- Integrate risk, opportunity, and mitigation actions into project schedules.
- Support schedule risk analysis (e.g. Monte Carlo) where required.
- Assess schedule impacts of change requests and support change control processes.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with Project Managers to support delivery planning and decision-making.
- Liaise with engineering, supply chain, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure schedule realism.
- Provide planning input to bids, proposals, and contract negotiations as required.
- Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Support internal and external assurance reviews, audits, and readiness assessments.
- Mentor junior planners and promote planning best practice.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and standards.
- Essential
- Significant experience in project planning within defence, aerospace, engineering, or complex regulated environments.
- Strong proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 (essential).
- Experience producing and maintaining integrated master schedules.
- Solid understanding of critical path analysis, schedule logic, and performance measurement.
- Ability to communicate complex planning information clearly to non-planning stakeholders.
- Desirable
- Experience working with MOD or equivalent defence customers.
- Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Experience supporting bids or major programme re-baselining.
- Familiarity with risk and schedule risk analysis techniques.
- Professional accreditation (e.g. APM, PMI) or working towards it.
- Analytical and detail-oriented with a proactive mindset.
- Confident working in complex, high-assurance environments.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Able to work independently while supporting wider programme objectives.
- Committed to integrity, confidentiality, and compliance.
- Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution)
- 25 days' paid annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy or sell days
- Professional fees reimbursed
- Flexible working
- Employee referral scheme
We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people's ability to dare are the only things that matter! Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.
Senior Planner in London employer: Assystem GmbH
Contact Detail:
Assystem GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence sector, especially those who work in project management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project planning and scheduling. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve worked on complex schedules or projects, gather examples that highlight your expertise in tools like Primavera P6. This will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience in project planning, especially within defence or complex regulated environments, and show how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Tools Proficiency: Since proficiency in Primavera P6 is essential, don’t forget to mention your experience with this tool. If you have any certifications or relevant training, make sure to include those as well!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your planning experience and how you've successfully managed schedules and risks in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Assystem GmbH
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in Primavera P6 and any other planning tools mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will show your technical proficiency and relevance to the role.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, practice explaining complex planning concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated project schedules and risks to non-planning stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with critical path analysis and schedule performance measurement. Bring specific examples of how your analytical skills have contributed to successful project outcomes, especially in high-assurance environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
Highlight instances where you've taken the initiative to improve planning processes or address potential risks before they became issues. This will align with the company's focus on continuous improvement and proactive project management.