Project Planner

The Vacancy This role is within the programme management function as a full time project planner across a number of projects, technologies and activities in support of MTC clients within the defence sector. Main Responsibilities:

• Developing and managing schedules ensuring its quality (logic, clarity) and accuracy (update of dates, progress, and scope definition).
• Collaborating with the project manager allocated to the project as well as with the execution functions (engineering, procurement, workshop/operations, etc) to ensure the to ensure the full project scope and requirements are captured and baselined within the programme.
• Supporting project management to provide them visibility and support on:

• Looking ahead of tasks to be performed in the 3 – 6 weeks.
• Identification of risks in the schedule along with mitigation actions.
• Opportunities in the schedule.
• Schedule scenario assessments.

• Developing and providing relevant reports to project management to ensure the Project Manager has all the tools required to make the right decisions and drive on-time and on-budget project execution.
• Interact with the customer (internal as well as potentially external) to provide updates on schedule and explain the current situation, challenges and opportunities.
• Ensuring that the contract programme is produced, maintained submitted in accordance with contractual requirements.
• An ability to travel to site as determined by project requirements.
• Experience across all stages of the project life cycle in medium to large sized projects.
• Development and implementation of planning processes, policies, and procedures.

Person SpecificationEssential Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Knowledge and experience of project management processes & reporting techniques.
• Experience of delivering complex projects.
• Significant experience in a busy projects environment.
• Significant understanding of APM PM competencies.
• Demonstrable knowledge of PMP and PMO.
• Experience and a working understanding of delivering projects in an engineering/professional services environment.
• An experienced MS Office user.
• Experienced with Microsoft Project including cost and resource loading, plus resource levelling techniques.
• An articulate and effective communicator able to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the business.
• A natural investigatory nature with strong analytical skills.
• Results driven self-starter with a positive CAN-DO approach focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Ability to remain calm, positive and constructive under pressure.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Knowledge and experience of EVM reporting throughout the lifecycle of the project.
• Knowledge of NEC4, standard form of contract.
• Current or previous holder of national security clearance.
• To view situations from a commercial perspective and be operating at a level where commercially focused decisions are made.
• Experience of managing innovation in the content of the projects as well as delivery mechanisms.
• Ability to identify opportunities for maintaining and updating performance standards.
• Willingness to contribute to continuous improvement activities related to PM tools and processes.

What We Offer You

• Option to buy or sell up to a week’s holiday, plus long service holidays
• Fully Flexible working offering
• Wellbeing hub incl. Vitality PMI, access to Wellbeing champions
• Corporate Discounts e.g. up to 50% selected gyms
• Financial support for Professional memberships
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to join and create clubs/societies
• Enhanced family leave
• Group Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Company Pension Scheme and access to pension advice

Please note we may close this vacancy earlier than the planned expiry date should we receive suitable applications. About The MTC The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe. The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies. Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness. Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future. The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK. Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable) Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.