Lead Planner

Lead Planner

Overview of Responsibilities

As Lead Planner, you will support and drive the development of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for a high‑value, technically complex programme. You’ll provide critical schedule intelligence to senior leadership, ensure robust governance, and enable delivery safely, on time, and within budget. Working closely with Programme Managers, IPT Directors, and technical teams, you’ll be at the heart of decision‑making—translating complexity into clarity and actionable insight.

• Lead integrated planning: develop and maintain a fully integrated, multi‑level IMS (L0–L4) across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and commissioning.
• Drive alignment across programme disciplines, ensuring dependencies and interfaces are clearly defined.
• Identify critical paths, risks, and optimisation opportunities.
• Provide strategic schedule insight: deliver scenario modelling, “what‑if” analysis, and data‑driven insights to support executive decisions.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track performance and resource utilisation.
• Lead schedule risk analysis and contribute to programme‑level risk management.
• Drive programme planning excellence: lead planning for a programme valued at >£20M, oversee WBS development, baselining, forecasting, and recovery planning.
• Apply earned value management (EVM) and variance analysis to monitor progress.
• Assess impacts of change, regulatory requirements, and design evolution.
• Build capability: mentor planners, engineers, and project teams on best practice in planning and scheduling; champion continuous improvement and industry‑leading standards.
• Lead with impact: foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture; act as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across a complex programme environment.

• Proven experience leading planning on large‑scale engineering, manufacturing, or construction programmes.
• Strong expertise in integrated scheduling, IMS development, and programme controls.
• Experience with EVM, risk analysis, and scenario planning.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels, influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Background in complex or highly regulated environments (energy, nuclear, infrastructure, etc.) is highly desirable.

• Essential: Degree in Engineering, Physics, Project Management, Construction Management, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Expert level proficiency in programme management and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Proven experience working in a senior or leadership position.
• Experience in Earned Value Management.
• Proven experience in SRA (Monte Carlo) schedule analysis.
• Able to translate complex physics/engineering design into structured quality plans and schedules.
• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams in a complex engineering and high‑technology environment.
• Proven experience in programme and project planning for large‑scale engineering, energy, or construction programmes.
• Proven experience in resource loading for programme or project schedules.
• Beneficial: Experience in nuclear, fusion, or large scientific infrastructure.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or other first‑of‑a‑kind technologies.
• Eligibility for security vetting.
• Knowledge of fusion reactor systems, superconducting magnets, plasma confinement, or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience in NEC form of contract.
• Professional certifications (APM, PMI‑SP, PSP, PMP).

Be part of a ground‑breaking fusion energy programme with global impact. Work on a first‑of‑a‑kind facility at the cutting edge of science and engineering. Collaborate with world‑class experts across multiple disciplines. Opportunity to make a real difference in the transition to clean, sustainable energy.

West Burton, Nottinghamshire (UKFE – Whole Programme and Controls, Department UKFE)

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, including women in STEM, British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. UKFE is committed to accessibility and encourages applicants to contact us if adjustments are needed.