Programme Planner

Programme Planner

Full-Time Home office (partial)
Harvey Nash Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage complex programme plans and ensure smooth execution across multiple workstreams.
  • Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation focused on education.
  • Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible onsite work, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education by driving successful project outcomes.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Project and strong planning skills required.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Programme Planner to manage and oversee a complex, multi-workstream, multi-dimensional plan that spans across multiple lower-level plans (approximately 10-12 plan owners). This role will involve driving clear dependency management, ensuring visibility of critical paths, and establishing well-defined planning assumptions and risks. The successful candidate will also be responsible for creating top‑down planning guidance, ensuring effective change control, and providing support for the movement of milestone dates.

The ideal candidate will have experience in Microsoft Project, excellent planning and risk management skills, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Programme Plan Creation and Management: Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive programme‑level plan that integrates multiple lower‑level plans (10-12) across diverse workstreams and dimensions.
  • Dependency Management: Ensure clear identification and management of dependencies across the entire programme, facilitating smooth execution and proactive issue resolution.
  • Critical Path Visibility: Provide clear visibility of the critical path across all workstreams to ensure that potential bottlenecks and delays are identified early.
  • Planning Assumptions & Risks: Establish and maintain well‑documented assumptions and risks within the programme plan to proactively mitigate potential challenges.
  • Top‑Down Planning Guidance & Best Practice: Develop and communicate clear planning guidance and best practices to plan owners, ensuring consistent and effective planning across all levels.
  • Baseline Management & Change Control: Oversee the baselining of plans and the movement of milestone dates. Ensure that appropriate change control processes are followed when milestone dates need to be adjusted.
  • Automated Reporting: Drive the use of automated tools and processes to collate and report on the progress of the various workstream plans, minimizing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
  • Stakeholder Management & Reporting: Work closely with project and programme managers to provide regular updates and insights on project health, critical paths, risks, and issues.
Skills & Experience
  • Significant experience in creating, managing, and maintaining large‑scale programme‑level plans using Microsoft Project, including multi‑workstream, multi‑dimensional planning.
  • Demonstrable experience in managing complex, multi‑dimensional programmes with a clear understanding of programme management principles and techniques.
  • Strong ability to identify and manage dependencies across multiple workstreams, with a clear understanding of the critical path and its impact on programme delivery.
  • Experience in identifying, documenting, and managing risks and assumptions across complex projects, with the ability to provide clear mitigation strategies.
  • Proven experience in managing change control processes, including the tracking and movement of milestone dates while ensuring baseline integrity.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide clear and actionable guidance to plan owners and stakeholders at various levels.
  • Familiarity with automated reporting and dashboard tools to streamline the collation of project data and improve reporting efficiency.

Programme Planner employer: Harvey Nash Group

As a Programme Planner in Leeds, you will join a dynamic public sector team dedicated to driving impactful educational projects. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement. With a commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Harvey Nash Group

Contact Details:

Harvey Nash Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Planner

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Harvey Nash Group, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Harvey Nash Group and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Programme Planner

Programme Planning
Microsoft Project
Dependency Management
Critical Path Analysis
Risk Management
Change Control
Automated Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Harvey Nash Group and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash Group

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Harvey Nash Group, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Harvey Nash Group.