At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage project plans, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm in Derby with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £39,000, plus opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of exciting projects and make a real difference in the engineering sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in project planning and strong organisational skills are essential.
Location: Derby
Salary: £39,000
Role Summary: The Project Planner is responsible for supporting the delivery of projects by maintaining accurate plans, data and systems that enable effective decision-making by the Senior Project Manager. The role ensures that project schedules, work orders, performance data and forecasts are accurate, up to date and aligned to operational requirements. The Project Planner provides structured planning, coordination and reporting support to ensure projects are controlled, measurable and delivered in line with agreed targets.
Person Requirements:
- Experience in project planning, scheduling or coordination within an engineering, manufacturing or rail environment
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously
- High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and reliable data across plans and systems
- Good understanding of planning principles, scheduling and resource coordination
- Experience using ERP systems and planning tools to manage work orders and track progress
- Numerate and data-driven, with the ability to collate, analyse and present project data clearly
- Strong communication skills, able to work effectively with operations, engineering, procurement and project teams
- Ability to follow structured processes and governance, maintaining consistency and discipline in all planning activities
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and planning tools, with the ability to manage and interpret data sets
- Proactive and reliable, with the ability to support decision-making through timely and accurate information
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Planning & Scheduling:
- Create and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring alignment with operational schedules and priorities
- Update project timelines, milestones and resource requirements based on latest project status and inputs
- Support the scheduling and planning of bogies, vehicles and overhaul activities to ensure efficient workflow
- ERP & Work Order Management:
- Create, update and manage work orders within ERP systems in line with project requirements
- Ensure all project-related data within ERP is accurate, current and aligned to project plans
- Track progress of work orders and highlight deviations from plan
- Data Management & Reporting:
- Collate project data from multiple sources to support accurate reporting and decision-making
- Prepare and maintain data required for project reviews, including inputs to Estimate at Completion (EAC)
- Ensure all project information is structured, traceable and readily available for review
- Performance Tracking:
- Input, monitor and track project KPIs, ensuring data accuracy and consistency
- Highlight trends, risks or deviations in performance to the Senior Project Manager
- Support the preparation of regular project performance reports
- Planning Coordination:
- Work closely with workshop, field services, engineering and procurement teams to ensure plans are aligned and achievable
- Ensure planning reflects real operational constraints, capacity and priorities
- Support the coordination of activities to maintain flow and avoid delays
- Governance & Control:
- Operate within defined planning and project governance frameworks
- Ensure all planning and data management activities follow agreed processes and standards
- Maintain disciplined control of planning versions, updates and approvals
- Continuous Improvement:
- Support improvements in planning processes, tools and data quality
- Identify inefficiencies or gaps in planning and reporting and propose improvements
Project Planner in Derby employer: Shorterm Group
As a Project Planner in Derby, you will join a dynamic team that values precision and collaboration, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous improvement initiatives and training opportunities, while our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in competitive salaries and a focus on work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on innovation and teamwork, we provide a unique environment where your contributions directly impact project success and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Planner in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and challenges, and think about how your skills as a Project Planner can help them succeed. This will show you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Project Planner, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Planner in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Project Planner role. Highlight your experience in project planning, scheduling, and any relevant tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:Since this role requires strong organisational skills, give examples of how you've managed multiple projects or priorities in the past. We love seeing how you keep everything on track and running smoothly!
Be Data-Driven:As a Project Planner, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Share your experience with ERP systems and how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. We appreciate candidates who can present data clearly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget 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. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorterm Group
✨Know Your Project Planning Basics
Make sure you brush up on your project planning principles and scheduling techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in previous roles, especially in engineering or manufacturing environments. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Project Planner role.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role requires a high attention to detail and data management, prepare examples of how you've collated, analysed, and presented project data in the past. Familiarise yourself with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, as you'll likely be asked about your experience with these tools during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication
The Project Planner needs to work closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with operations, engineering, and procurement teams. Highlight any experiences where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to adapt your plans based on changing project requirements or operational constraints. This will help demonstrate your proactive approach and reliability in decision-making.
