Planner / Scheduler - Defence in Preston

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are looking to appoint a Planner/Scheduler to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting a major long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments. In this role, you will develop, maintain and assure robust project schedules for assigned projects or work packages, working closely with delivery teams to define activities, logic and dependencies. Through critical path analysis, clear schedule reporting and recovery planning, you will support predictable and assured delivery within a secure and highly regulated environment. The role is due to commence in late autumn to early winter.

Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining integrated project schedules covering design, procurement, enabling works, construction, commissioning and handover, aligned to programme governance requirements.
• Maintaining schedule baselines, updating progress and ensuring logic integrity, critical path visibility and clear milestone definition.
• Undertaking schedule analysis, including float analysis, criticality and what‑if scenarios, and supporting the development of recovery or mitigation plans.
• Working closely with Project Managers, engineering, construction and supply chain teams to manage interfaces, dependencies and constraints.
• Providing regular schedule reporting and narrative, including milestone status, critical path, key risks and opportunities and lookahead views.
• Supporting programme assurance activities by maintaining clear evidence of planning assumptions, updates and the impacts of change.

You’ll need to have:

• A relevant qualification (HND or degree) in engineering, construction, project management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining project schedules on construction or infrastructure projects, ideally within complex programme environments.
• Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 and or MS Project, with strong Excel capability.
• A solid understanding of planning best practice, including logic development, baselining, progress measurement, critical path analysis and schedule quality checks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence working alongside technical, delivery and supply chain teams.
• Flexibility and willingness to work from the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

What’s on offer:

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.

Our values:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
• Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.