At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop complex programme schedules for a major defence initiative.
- Company: Join a leading Defence Programme Management Office with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape best practices in a dynamic, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in schedule management within large 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.
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.
Scheduling Manager 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 Scheduling Manager role offers not only competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also the chance to contribute to high-profile projects that have a significant impact on national security. Located in a dynamic environment, we support our team members with ongoing training and development, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of programme management while working alongside diverse stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scheduling Manager 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 a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with schedule management and planning. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've tackled complex scheduling challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of methodologies like Critical Path Method (CPM). Be ready to discuss how you’ve used these techniques in real-world scenarios, as this will show you're not just book-smart but also practical.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you’re interested in.
We think you need these skills to ace Scheduling Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scheduling Manager role. Highlight your experience in schedule management and planning, especially within complex environments like defence or aerospace. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you’ve used them! Provide examples of how you've developed and maintained schedules, managed dependencies, and identified risks. This helps us see your practical experience in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to express your interest in the role and how you can contribute to our team without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about examples where you've had to manage multiple stakeholders or coordinate across teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you identified risks or conflicts in schedules and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your communication and stakeholder management skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled scheduling challenges in the past. Highlight your analytical abilities and how you've monitored and reported on schedule performance. This is crucial in a complex defence programme environment, so have some solid examples ready.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the overall objectives of the defence programme and how effective scheduling contributes to its success. Being able to connect your role to the programme's goals will show your commitment and understanding of the importance of your work within the PMO.
