Planner Lead

Job Description:
Do you have experience maintaining schedules within complex projects where data integrity is key?
Leonardo has an opportunity to join the Programme Management Office (PMO) as a Project Controls Planner Lead. This role is based at our Yeovil site and offers you the opportunity to work on a multitude of projects and within different parts of the business, the ability to build upon your Project Controls, Microsoft Project (MSP) and Planning skills whilst managing an assigned planning team with flexible working.
We are looking for innovators within the planning environment to support and advise the Programme Managers to aid scheduling and cost control decisions.
The Leonardo PMO planning culture promotes innovation and a team approach which provides support and encourages each other to meet the objectives set.
By joining the Leonardo Planning team we will look to support and encourage you through your career and development path, by providing the right training and support structure around you. We will encourage your proactive nature and will look to build upon your skillset.
This role is a level 7 on our internal Salary and Career Progression Framework (S&CPF) with a starting salary of £55,000.
WHAT YOU WILL DO AS A PROJECT CONTROLS PLANNER LEAD
The scope of this role is to lead the Project Controls requirements within Leonardo in line with Programme Management Life Cycle. To review existing systems and identify recommendations for improved ways of working with existing tools or provide justification for need for alternative tools recognising contractual obligations. To be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on MSP and be able to support with the maintenance of the project master schedule in accordance with the contract, through direct liaison with other business functions. You will need to ensure the integrity of data throughout the project life cycle and have the ability to analysis data reports to provide project status information to the programmes team and customer. You will be able to identify schedule and cost variances and be able to collaborate with the programme team and directly with business functions to establish corrective actions. You will also lead a small team of dedicated planners to manage work load and ensure accuracy of planning.
• Lead and manage the assigned planning team on a day to day basis and workload with responsibility and authority from the Planning Manager
• Assist the planning manager in the deployment of the Leonardo planning processes, execution of process controls and a standardised planning process throughout the organisation. Manage work load across aircraft platform to deliver required outputs. Resolve issues affecting portfolio of work and escalate to planning manager as appropriate.
• Provide guidance to the team on the development and maintainance of the project master schedule in accordance with the work breakdown structure (WBS), contracted scope, delivery dates, financial baseline and Leonardo procedures. If multiple sub projects exist, coordinate, control and integrate the interfaces creating logical links and maintaining updates.
• Work with the business functions to ensure the timely monthly updates of the schedule and drive to continually improve the quality of the schedule. Ensure the schedule and SAP data are aligned. Identify any data inaccuracies and proactively strive to correct the issue.
• Be able to assess progress and analyse the impact of forecast changes (schedule and financial) to identify threats at the earliest opportunity. Perform critical path and 'what if; analysis, including the development of work-around plans, capturing, monitoring and driving associated actions.
• Be able to provide guidance to the team on the project baseline (schedule and financial) to reflect any contracted amendments. Manage the approval and communication of these changes in accordance with Leonardo procedures. Control the allocation of contingency reserve and updates to the schedule baseline ensuring alignment to the risk register.
• Produce internal and customer reports to confirm the project cost and schedule variance, future key milestones and to include earn value analysis.
• Provide planning support, guidance and formal training of planning principles to the programme team and to planners from other business functions.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You really must have:

• Prior knowledge of Microsoft Project 2016 (as core planning tool) and other common Microsoft packages
• An understanding of the principles of Project Planning and experience scheduling complex tasks with excellent attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide leadership and work effectively within a team setting.
• Ability to learn quickly and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain a clear focus on goals and priorities
• A willingness to learn and be proactive and forward thinking
• Excellent organisational and time management skills

It would be nice if you had:

• An understanding of SAP
• APM Planning & Project Controls Practitioner
• Experience of DE&S Project Controls criteria
• A good knowledge of company products and organisation
• Experienced in the planning and scheduling of complex tasks within an aerospace or similar industrial environment

Security Clearance
You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit : https://(url removed)/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Life at Leonardo
With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.
At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people's full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.
This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo's future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.
Primary Location:
GB - Yeovil - Lysander Rd
Contract Type:
Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid