Project Planner

Project Planner – Directorate: Project Management Office (Hybrid – Derby, Manchester, Warrington)

Why this role matters

We need you to join us as a Project Planner to create and maintain schedules that keep our programmes moving. You’ll be our specialist in planning and scheduling – building robust work package schedules that reflect 100% of the scope and directly support confident, informed decision‑making across complex engineering environments. Your work will have real impact in supporting on‑time delivery and programme governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, baseline and maintain work package schedules in line with SMR planning processes and guidance.
• Apply deep knowledge of Primavera P6, including WBS architecture, coding, resource structures and user‑defined fields.
• Capture and analyse schedule performance, comparing progress versus baseline to support effective decision making.
• Work within an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) environment, collaborating with engineering, supply chain, operations, procurement and programme management teams.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) processes, focusing on theory and application rather than specific toolsets.
• Manage change control and baseline updates, ensuring accurate reflection of approved programme shifts.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior or apprentice planners as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong Primavera P6 practitioner‑level capability (front‑end scheduling + architecture).
• Experience working within an IMS / MIP structure, including horizontal & vertical logic.
• Knowledge of EVM principles and value‑management concepts.
• Change management and baseline control experience.
• Experience supporting complex programmes from engineering to construction to large‑scale technical delivery.
• Stakeholder collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Optional: Understanding of NEC‑style contractual requirements for schedules.
• Mandatory: Primavera P6 Practitioner certification.
• Mandatory/ Flexible: APM PMQ (or working towards).
• Desirable: APM PPC Practitioner (or equivalent) / willingness to work towards.
• Experience within a project controls / PMO environment on complex programmes.

About the Role

As a key contributor to a high‑performing planning team, you will collaborate daily with lead planners, programme managers, engineers, supply chain, procurement and operations. You will also help coach junior planners and apprentices.

Benefits

• Salary: £48,000 – £63,000 (or £50,600.00 – £66,465.00 depending on experience)
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Bonus opportunity: 12.5%
• Pension: life assurance 6x pensionable, 50% income protection
• Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
• New joiner payment: £250
• Flexible & part‑time working options available

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive and continually improving recruitment practices.