At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise complex programme schedules in a dynamic defence environment.
- Company: Join a leading Defence Programme Management Office with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security through effective programme management.
- Qualifications: Experience in schedule management within large defence or engineering programmes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role works directly in support of the Lead Schedule Manager within the Programme Operations function of a major Defence Programme Management Office (PMO). The Schedule Management team supports the Programme Operations Manager in developing, maintaining and controlling programme schedules, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, key milestones and contractual commitments. The team monitors schedule performance, identifies risks and opportunities, and facilitates informed decision-making across a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
Programme Operations encompasses activities related to programme planning, performance measurement and operational governance. This ensures programme performance can be effectively monitored, risks and opportunities are identified and managed, and operational challenges are minimised throughout the programme lifecycle.
The Schedule Manager will be responsible for:
- Developing, maintaining and updating programme schedules, including integrated master schedules and associated planning artefacts.
- Identifying and highlighting scheduling criticalities, including conflicts, delays and resource constraints.
- Delivering schedule updates and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Identifying and managing Assumptions, Dependencies and Exclusions (ADEs).
- Identifying potential programme risks and opportunities related to schedule performance.
- Managing and monitoring dependencies across workstreams to minimise programme delays.
- Reviewing and validating programme assumptions on a regular basis.
- Supporting schedule analysis and performance reporting activities.
- Ensuring schedule data integrity and alignment with programme governance requirements.
The role does not carry direct Profit and Loss responsibility but operates within a complex defence programme environment, supporting the review, reporting and management of activities across multiple stakeholders and delivery partners in accordance with established programme management frameworks and governance processes.
This position has been created to support the delivery of a major defence programme and offers the opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, strategically important initiative. The successful candidate will work within an established Programme Controls function, helping to shape and deliver best-practice scheduling and programme control processes while collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills
- Proven experience in schedule management and planning within large, complex defence, aerospace, engineering or government programmes.
- Strong expertise in developing, maintaining and controlling project schedules using recognised methodologies such as Critical Path Method (CPM).
- Experience working with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and programme planning tools.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated ability to monitor, analyse and report on schedule performance, identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Strong understanding of programme dependencies and their impact on delivery timelines.
- Experience balancing resources, priorities and deadlines to support successful programme delivery.
- Advanced problem-solving, analytical and risk management capabilities.
- Ability to operate effectively within highly regulated and governance-driven environments.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance. Additional National Security Vetting (NSV) requirements may apply depending on programme and customer requirements.
Manager, Communications in Reading employer: LHH
As a leading employer in the defence sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to professional development is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, ensuring that you can grow alongside our high-profile projects. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer competitive benefits and the chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives that have a significant impact on national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Communications in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence sector, especially those who work in programme management. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your schedule management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with Integrated Master Schedules and how you’ve tackled scheduling conflicts in the past. Show us you can think on your feet and handle complex scenarios!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills in schedule management and programme operations. Tailor your approach to each application to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Communications in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Manager, Communications role. Highlight your experience in schedule management and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our defence programme!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your expertise in developing and maintaining schedules. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH
✨Know Your Schedules Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in schedule management methodologies, especially the Critical Path Method (CPM). Be ready to discuss your experience with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and how you've used them in past projects. This will show that you understand the technical aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve conflicts or delays. This is crucial in a complex environment like defence programmes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Think about potential risks you've encountered in previous roles and how you managed them. Be prepared to explain your analytical approach to monitoring schedule performance and how you’ve recommended mitigation strategies in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Have a few examples ready that showcase your advanced problem-solving and analytical skills. Discuss how you balanced resources and priorities to meet deadlines, especially in highly regulated environments. This will illustrate your capability to thrive under pressure.
