At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise programme schedules for a major defence initiative.
- Company: Join a leading Defence Programme Management Office with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile defence programme while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in schedule management within complex programmes and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 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.
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 (Hybrid & flexible working) in Reading employer: LHH
As a leading employer in the defence sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that values flexibility and hybrid working arrangements, allowing our employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that encourages collaboration across diverse teams, ensuring that every team member can contribute to high-profile projects that have a significant impact on national security. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation where your expertise in schedule management will be pivotal in shaping the future of defence programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager (Hybrid & flexible working) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence sector, attend industry events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to schedule management and programme performance. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager (Hybrid & flexible working) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in schedule management and planning. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in managing complex schedules and stakeholder communication have led to successful project outcomes. We want to see real examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you can keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH
✨Know Your Schedules Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with various scheduling methodologies, especially the Critical Path Method (CPM). Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, particularly in complex environments like defence or aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and coordinated with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them to keep everyone aligned on project goals.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Think about potential risks you've encountered in previous projects and how you identified and managed them. Be prepared to share your thought process on balancing resources and deadlines to ensure successful programme delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Bring examples of how you've monitored and reported on schedule performance. Show that you can analyse data to identify trends and make informed decisions, which is crucial for this role in a governance-driven environment.
