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: Opportunity for career growth in a highly regulated and rewarding field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in schedule management within large defence or engineering programmes.
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.
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 of 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 strategically important initiatives that make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager of communications 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 interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in schedule management and stakeholder coordination. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
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 their minds. We suggest mentioning something specific from the interview to make it personal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager of communications 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 skills; provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles. If you've worked with Integrated Master Schedules or managed complex dependencies, let us know how you tackled those challenges!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your achievements stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 approach to identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies. This demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Understand the Importance of Governance
Familiarise yourself with programme governance requirements and be ready to discuss how you've ensured data integrity and alignment with these processes in your past work. This shows that you can operate effectively within regulated environments, which is key for this role.
