At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise complex defence programme schedules while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- 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 dynamic, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic initiative that shapes the future of defence.
- Qualifications: Experience in schedule management within large defence or engineering programmes is essential.
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.
Tech Manager (Permanent) in Reading employer: LHH
As a leading employer in the defence sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities to engage in high-profile projects that shape national security. Located in a strategic hub, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values diversity and encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tech Manager (Permanent) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence sector, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Tech Manager role.
✨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 programme risks in the past. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, highlight how you've coordinated activities across multidisciplinary teams. This is key in a complex environment like defence, so let us know how you’ve made it work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Tech Manager (Permanent) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Tech Manager role. Highlight your experience in schedule management and planning, especially within complex defence programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your expertise in developing and maintaining project schedules. This helps us see you in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 communicated these effectively. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled scheduling challenges in the past. Think of a time when you had to balance resources and deadlines under pressure. Highlight your analytical approach and any strategies you implemented to mitigate risks.
✨Understand the Defence Context
Familiarise yourself with the defence programme environment and its unique challenges. Research current trends and issues in defence project management. Showing that you understand the context of the role will set you apart from other candidates.
