Project Controls / Planning Specialist (Outside IR35)

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We are seeking an experienced SC Cleared Project Controls/Planning/Scheduling Specialist master to support a major next-generation aerospace & defence programme delivered within a highly secure, multi-national consortium environment. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, mission-critical defence aviation initiative involving complex cross-partner scheduling and integrated programme delivery.


** This role is Hybrid-based with WFH option and 4 days per week on-site in Reading will be required.

  • Day rate: £62 p/h (Outside IR35)
  • SC Clearance
  • Duration: up to 12 months
  • Start: depending on SC transfer


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain and control integrated master schedules (IMS/DCS) across a large, complex programme
  • Apply Critical Path Method (CPM) to identify dependencies, risks, delays, and recovery actions
  • Work closely with senior programme controls and delivery stakeholders across UK and international partners
  • Identify and manage assumptions, dependencies, exclusions (ADEs)
  • Produce clear schedule performance reporting and scenario analysis for senior leadership
  • Ensure alignment between schedule, risk, and programme delivery objectives
  • Support proactive schedule optimisation and conflict resolution across multiple workstreams

Essential Experience

  • Proven background in Project Controls/Planning/Master Schedule Management on large, complex defence or aerospace programmes
  • Strong hands-on experience with Primavera P6 (certification preferred)
  • Experience working within MOD, defence primes, or regulated aerospace environments
  • Deep understanding of programme scheduling, critical path analysis, and integrated planning frameworks
  • Strong stakeholder management across technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to operate effectively in multi-partner, international delivery environments

Desirable

  • APM/APMP certification
  • Experience working on multi-national defence or aviation programmes
  • Familiarity with programme governance frameworks in regulated environments

Must-Have Attributes

  • Accuracy and exceptional attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Confident communicator with senior stakeholders
  • Able to work at pace in high-security, high-accountability environments

”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-17”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Synergize Consulting”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__435060317__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=424” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Reading” } } }
Company: Synergize Consulting
Apply for the Project Controls / Planning Specialist (Outside IR35)
Location: Reading
Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced SC Cleared Project Controls/Planning/Scheduling Specialist master to support a major next-generation aerospace & defence programme delivered within a highly secure, multi-national consortium environment. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, mission-critical defence aviation initiative involving complex cross-partner scheduling and integrated programme delivery.

** This role is Hybrid-based with WFH option and 4 days per week on-site in Reading will be required.

  • Day rate: £62 p/h (Outside IR35)
  • SC Clearance
  • Duration: up to 12 months
  • Start: depending on SC transfer

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain and control integrated master schedules (IMS/DCS) across a large, complex programme
  • Apply Critical Path Method (CPM) to identify dependencies, risks, delays, and recovery actions
  • Work closely with senior programme controls and delivery stakeholders across UK and international partners
  • Identify and manage assumptions, dependencies, exclusions (ADEs)
  • Produce clear schedule performance reporting and scenario analysis for senior leadership
  • Ensure alignment between schedule, risk, and programme delivery objectives
  • Support proactive schedule optimisation and conflict resolution across multiple workstreams

Essential Experience

  • Proven background in Project Controls/Planning/Master Schedule Management on large, complex defence or aerospace programmes
  • Strong hands-on experience with Primavera P6 (certification preferred)
  • Experience working within MOD, defence primes, or regulated aerospace environments
  • Deep understanding of programme scheduling, critical path analysis, and integrated planning frameworks
  • Strong stakeholder management across technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to operate effectively in multi-partner, international delivery environments

Desirable

  • APM/APMP certification
  • Experience working on multi-national defence or aviation programmes
  • Familiarity with programme governance frameworks in regulated environments

Must-Have Attributes

  • Accuracy and exceptional attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Confident communicator with senior stakeholders
  • Able to work at pace in high-security, high-accountability environments

Posted: May 17th, 2026