At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a complex Integrated Master Schedule for a high-value programme.
- Company: Join a pioneering fusion energy programme with global impact.
- Benefits: Collaborate with world-class experts and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse applicants; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the transition to clean energy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in large-scale programme planning.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
As Lead Planner, you will support and drive the development of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for a high‑value, technically complex programme. You’ll provide critical schedule intelligence to senior leadership, ensure robust governance, and enable delivery safely, on time, and within budget. Working closely with Programme Managers, IPT Directors, and technical teams, you’ll be at the heart of decision‑making—translating complexity into clarity and actionable insight.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead integrated planning: develop and maintain a fully integrated, multi‑level IMS (L0–L4) across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and commissioning.
- Drive alignment across programme disciplines, ensuring dependencies and interfaces are clearly defined.
- Identify critical paths, risks, and optimisation opportunities.
- Provide strategic schedule insight: deliver scenario modelling, “what‑if” analysis, and data‑driven insights to support executive decisions.
- Develop KPIs and dashboards to track performance and resource utilisation.
- Lead schedule risk analysis and contribute to programme‑level risk management.
- Drive programme planning excellence: lead planning for a programme valued at >£20M, oversee WBS development, baselining, forecasting, and recovery planning.
- Apply earned value management (EVM) and variance analysis to monitor progress.
- Assess impacts of change, regulatory requirements, and design evolution.
- Build capability: mentor planners, engineers, and project teams on best practice in planning and scheduling; champion continuous improvement and industry‑leading standards.
- Lead with impact: foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture; act as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across a complex programme environment.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience leading planning on large‑scale engineering, manufacturing, or construction programmes.
- Strong expertise in integrated scheduling, IMS development, and programme controls.
- Experience with EVM, risk analysis, and scenario planning.
- Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels, influencing senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Background in complex or highly regulated environments (energy, nuclear, infrastructure, etc.) is highly desirable.
Qualifications
- Essential: Degree in Engineering, Physics, Project Management, Construction Management, or equivalent.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Expert level proficiency in programme management and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Proven experience working in a senior or leadership position.
- Experience in Earned Value Management.
- Proven experience in SRA (Monte Carlo) schedule analysis.
- Able to translate complex physics/engineering design into structured quality plans and schedules.
- Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams in a complex engineering and high‑technology environment.
- Proven experience in programme and project planning for large‑scale engineering, energy, or construction programmes.
- Proven experience in resource loading for programme or project schedules.
- Beneficial: Experience in nuclear, fusion, or large scientific infrastructure.
- Experience in defence, aerospace, or other first‑of‑a‑kind technologies.
- Eligibility for security vetting.
- Knowledge of fusion reactor systems, superconducting magnets, plasma confinement, or related engineering disciplines.
- Experience in NEC form of contract.
- Professional certifications (APM, PMI‑SP, PSP, PMP).
Why Join Us?
Be part of a ground‑breaking fusion energy programme with global impact. Work on a first‑of‑a‑kind facility at the cutting edge of science and engineering. Collaborate with world‑class experts across multiple disciplines. Opportunity to make a real difference in the transition to clean, sustainable energy.
Location
West Burton, Nottinghamshire (UKFE – Whole Programme and Controls, Department UKFE)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, including women in STEM, British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. UKFE is committed to accessibility and encourages applicants to contact us if adjustments are needed.
Lead Planner in Nottingham employer: Fusion Energy Base
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Culham site where innovation meets collaboration in the field of fusion technology. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, access to cutting-edge research, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that have a global impact. With a flexible/hybrid working model, a supportive culture, and a commitment to employee well-being, UKAEA stands out as a rewarding place for those passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner in Nottingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Planner role you’re after at Fusion Energy Base.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Fusion Energy Base a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Fusion Energy Base.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead Planner at Fusion Energy Base, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Planner, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Fusion Energy Base a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Fusion Energy Base specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fusion Energy Base
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Fusion Energy Base, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Fusion Energy Base want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
