At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project planning and maintain complex schedules for a critical national security programme.
- Company: AWE, a key player in the UK's national security sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 and a background in project planning.
The predicted salary is between 49830 - 78770 £ per year.
Overview of the P6 Senior Planner role at AWE – responsible for maintaining the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and delivering planning expertise across a sovereign replacement warhead programme.
Location & Working Pattern: RG7 4PR – between Reading and Basingstoke. 9‑day working fortnight with 100% on‑site requirement. Flexible working requests are considered.
Compensation: Salary: £49,830 – £78,770 (depending on suitability, qualifications and experience).
Responsibilities:
- Deliver high‑quality project controls planning capability through the development, maintenance and assurance of complex Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), providing accurate, timely and defensible forecasts to inform critical programme decisions.
- Lead and support planning activities across the full project lifecycle, ensuring alignment to scope, cost and delivery strategy under configuration control.
- Undertake schedule analysis and performance management, including critical path, dependencies, variance analysis and forecasting, to provide clear insight into current and future delivery positions.
- Facilitate planning workshops and provide independent assurance and challenge through peer reviews, schedule health checks and adherence to planning standards and governance.
- Drive continuous improvement and planning excellence, evolving processes, tools and capability while championing best practice across the programme.
- Identify emerging risks, trends and delivery threats, providing early warning, recovery options and decision support to stakeholders.
- Lead, coach and mentor junior planners, developing planning capability and embedding consistent standards of quality, integrity and delivery excellence across teams.
- Champion the highest standards of safety, health, environment, security and quality, recognising the critical importance of these principles in delivering a programme central to the UK’s national security.
Qualifications:
- Experience of planning on projects/programmes in a dynamic, delivery focused environment.
- Advanced level of skill with Oracle Primavera P6.
- Skills in Microsoft Office.
- Qualification in an appropriate business or technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
Benefits:
- 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off, plus 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (pay between 9% and 13% depending on contributions).
- Family‑friendly policies: maternity leave – 39 weeks full pay; paternity leave – 4 weeks full pay.
- Professional career development opportunities, including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 × annual salary).
- Discounts on everyday spending.
- Special leave policy, including paid time off for volunteering, public service and caring.
Security & Eligibility: Applicants must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years to qualify for Security Clearance (SC) and 10 years for Defence Vetting (DV). The role requires obtaining and maintaining the necessary security clearance, which will be funded by AWE.
P6 Senior Planner employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
AWE is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for P6 Senior Planners to contribute to critical national security projects while enjoying a supportive and flexible work environment. With a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave policies, and a strong focus on professional development, employees are empowered to grow their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company's commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land P6 Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and values, especially around safety and quality, so you can show how you fit into their culture and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with Oracle Primavera P6 and how you've delivered planning excellence in past roles. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace P6 Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the P6 Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience with Integrated Master Schedules and any relevant projects you've worked on. 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 this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Oracle Primavera P6 – we love that!
Showcase Your Planning Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your planning expertise and any leadership experience you have. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve led teams or mentored junior planners in the past. It’s all about demonstrating your capability!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your IMS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Integrated Master Schedules (IMS). Be prepared to discuss your experience with schedule analysis, critical path management, and how you've used these skills to inform project decisions. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the P6 Senior Planner role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading and mentoring junior planners, think of examples where you've successfully coached others or led planning activities. Highlight your ability to drive continuous improvement and how you've championed best practices in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your Oracle Primavera P6 skills and be ready to answer technical questions related to it. You might be asked to explain how you would approach a specific scheduling challenge or how you ensure adherence to planning standards.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with AWE’s mission and the importance of the projects they undertake, especially regarding national security. Being able to articulate how your role as a planner contributes to this mission can set you apart from other candidates.
