Defence Project Controller (Planning) in London

I'm recruiting Project Controllers and Project Planners for permanent opportunities supporting complex defence engineering programmes and UK defence consultancy projects. My main focus is on people who have personally created, maintained and analysed project schedules. This is hands-on project planning and controls work rather than general PMO administration or project reporting.

Salary and locations:

• £45K-£52K depending on experience and the specific opportunity.
• Most engineering appointments are expected to fall within £45K-£50K, with around £52K possible for exceptional candidates.
• Permanent opportunities across Hertfordshire, Bristol and London.
• Hertfordshire and Bristol positions typically require 2-3 days per week onsite.
• London-linked defence consultancy appointments generally involve around 2 days per week at an office or client site, with additional UK travel possible depending on the assignment.

British nationality and security eligibility:

These positions support security-sensitive UK defence programmes, so British nationality and eligibility for UK security clearance are essential. Sole British nationals are eligible for consideration across the broadest range of assignments. Dual British nationals can also be considered for certain positions, subject to the specific security requirements. Current security clearance is not essential for the core engineering opportunities. Some defence consultancy appointments require candidates who currently hold or have previously held SC or DV clearance. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for the core engineering positions.

What you'll be doing:

• Creating, maintaining and validating project schedules using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or similar professional planning tools.
• Managing schedule logic, milestones, dependencies and project baselines.
• Analysing critical paths, progress, delays and schedule risks.
• Supporting change control, performance reporting and project forecasting.
• Working alongside engineering, delivery and commercial teams to understand and address project performance issues.

What experience matters most?

• Genuine hands-on scheduling experience is essential.
• Primavera P6 is particularly desirable, although candidates with strong Microsoft Project or equivalent scheduling experience will also be considered.
• Experience with Schedule Risk Analysis, Earned Value Management, cost forecasting, resource planning or Work Breakdown Structures would be useful.
• Defence and aerospace experience is particularly relevant, although candidates from other complex engineering environments may also be suitable.
• You don't need to be a Project Manager. You do need to understand how a project schedule is built, controlled and used to support delivery decisions.

I'm particularly interested in which scheduling tools you've used, the planning responsibilities you've owned and your preferred working location.