At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning activities for the groundbreaking HS2 project and ensure timely delivery of key milestones.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at West Coast Partnership Development, shaping the future of high-speed rail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime programme that transforms travel in the UK.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in project planning, especially with Primavera P6, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
West Coast Partnership Development is the trusted partner of the Department for Transport (DfT) who are working towards creating and implementing the operations for High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2). We will design, develop and mobilise the high-speed service operations which will deliver benefits including more capacity, quicker journey times and a step-change in customer experience.
We are excited to present an opportunity to join the PMO team as the Senior Planner on an 18-month Fixed Term contract. This is a chance to join a small, high calibre team working on a once in a lifetime programme – launching HS2.
As a small organisation, WCPD is agile, meaning all our staff have a direct impact on the success of the company and are expected to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the business.
Responsibilities
- The Senior Planner is responsible for leading on Planning activities for West Coast Partnership Development, ensuring programme coherence and control and assuring the deliverability of individual projects and overall programme.
- Lead the delivery of monitoring and control of WCPD programme to provide oversight and guidance to WCPD Heads of and Directors to ensure engagement and timely delivery of key milestones and Business Plan Commitments (BPCs).
- Embed a culture of planning good practice across the organisation. Define and maintain WCPD planning standards, expectations and good practice. Ensure compliance, identify areas for development, foster continuous improvement and innovation.
- Manage the planning and reporting team to ensure a professional approach to planning and reporting is implemented using specialised tools and techniques.
- Lead the provision of programme management and reporting systems for the business, including the identification, licensing and maintenance to deliver appropriate capabilities and resilience.
- Ensure project schedules are appropriately baseline and updated to deliver a robust level of project control and reporting, including to the WCPD Executive.
- Lead the development of programme reporting, ensuring appropriate processes and detail to varied stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Ensure programme and project schedules are compliant with contractual and any other requirements.
- Lead the development, implementation, embedding and update of project and programme planning processes and procedures, ensuring they comply with good practice standards.
- Ensure WCPD has the ability to collate schedule information to enable accurate records of programme history, to be accessed and support any business or programme assessment and performance reviews.
- Produce scenario plans to support future programme requirements and options.
- Lead, manage and develop the Planning team, ensuring it delivers to business expectations, provides appropriate levels of resources and skills, and is responsible for the development and wellbeing of the team.
- Input to overall performance, approach and planning of the PMO Directorate as a member of the senior PMO team.
- Ensure inputs to, and outputs of the WCPD schedules are accurate and reflect the latest planning assumptions and baselines.
- Lead the WCPD time sheeting process and its outputs to the finance team on a periodic basis, a critical task in the management of business finances and reporting.
Qualifications and Experience
- Extensive Primavera P6 expertise.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of project planning and control disciplines.
- Line management experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of railway processes and operations.
- Experience of working with different contract types.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- The ability to quickly develop and build collaborative relationships across the programme.
- Ability to influence a variety of different stakeholders up to Director level.
- Membership of a related professional body.
- Educated to Degree level or demonstrable project delivery experience.
The role is based in London. The expectation will be a minimum of 3 days per week in our office near Euston station and Warren Street Underground Station.
Salary: competitive package depending on skills & experience.
Please upload your CV (3 pages or fewer) as part of your application and answer the supporting questions.
West Coast Partnership Development
West Coast Partnership comprises two distinct parts – Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development. Avanti West Coast runs the InterCity West Coast train services from London to north England, north Wales and Scotland.
Our work in WCPD is focused on developing plans for what the new high-speed services will look like (customer experience), how they will work (railway operations) and how we will start running new services and trains (mobilisation). Over the next 10 years we will develop and implement a programme (HS2 Ltd are building the new railway and associated infrastructure).
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/about-us/a-pioneering-partnership
Senior Planner WCPD (18 months fixed term contract) employer: Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and operational excellence in the catering sector. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer continuous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions. Located in a dynamic environment, our team enjoys the unique advantage of being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge digital systems.
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We think this is how you could land Senior Planner WCPD (18 months fixed term contract)
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✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner WCPD (18 months fixed term contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Avanti West Coast and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Avanti West Coast will want to see.
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✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Avanti West Coast.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Avanti West Coast. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
