Salary: £55,000-£65,000
Location: West Sussex, England, UK
Must hold or be eligible to hold UK security clearance for this role.
Project Scheduler / Planner – Defence Programmes
UK-based | Defence Engineering | Multi-Project Environment
I’m currently supporting a defence client looking to bring in an experienced Project Scheduler / Planner to strengthen their Programmes team.
This role sits at the heart of delivery, working directly with Programme and Project Managers to build, manage, and challenge project schedules across a portfolio of complex engineering projects.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll play a key role in driving structure, visibility, and control across multiple programmes, including:
- Building and maintaining detailed project schedules (MS Project)
- Working closely with PMs to define scope, timelines, dependencies and resources
- Developing WBS structures and ensuring schedules reflect real delivery plans
- Supporting bid activity and re-baselining where required
- Tracking progress against milestones, budgets, and deliverables
- Managing resource allocation across competing priorities
- Identifying risks, assumptions, and dependencies within project plans
- Supporting mitigation planning and forward forecasting
- Ensuring alignment between schedules, scope, and overall programme objectives
What they’re looking for
This is a role for someone who can combine strong planning discipline with the confidence to engage stakeholders and challenge where needed.
- Proven experience in project planning / scheduling roles
- Strong hands-on capability with Microsoft Project (MSP)
- Experience working within structured project environments (governance, cost control, reporting)
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities
- Understanding of resource planning and allocation
- Background in engineering or technical programmes is highly beneficial
- Familiarity with PRINCE2, PMP or similar methodologies (advantageous)
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
What stands out about this role
This isn’t just a “schedule maintenance” role.
You’ll be working in an environment where:
- Planning is critical to delivery
- Programmes are complex and high-value
- There is real visibility and impact from the work you do
If you’re a planner who enjoys working at pace, influencing delivery, and being part of challenging engineering programmes, this is worth a conversation.
Feel free to each out directly or drop me a message for more detail
Security Requirements
Eligibility for UK Security Clearance required, including 5 years’ UK residency, current British passport and citizenship.
…