Senior Master Planner

About the role

Oversees and manages the operational aspects of ongoing projects and serves as liaison between project management and planning, project team, and line management. Reviews status of projects and budgets; manages schedules and prepares status reports. Assesses project issues and develops resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and client-satisfaction goals and objectives. Develops mechanisms for monitoring project progress and for intervention and problem solving with project managers, line managers, and clients.

Role Purpose: The Master Planner provides expert support to Programme Managers and Delivery Teams, ensuring the successful execution of complex programmes. You will act as a key member of a multi-skilled PMO team, maintaining programme health through diligent process application, insightful performance data, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Baseline & Programme Setup

• Baseline Management: Support initial setup and maintain Performance Measurement Baselines (PMB), ensuring full integration between the WBS, SOW, Schedule, Earned Value, and Risk baselines.
• Integrated Master Plan (IMP): Maintain the IMP, ensuring rigorous traceability between the SOW, WBS, CDRLs, and the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Work Package Management: Oversee control accounts and work packages to ensure projects remain within scope, schedule, and budget.

Performance & Financial Control

• EVM & Reporting: Deliver expert services in Scheduling, Cost, Risk, and Earned Value Management (EVM). Provide timely reports, measurements, and performance assessments to stakeholders.
• Financial Alignment: Support disciplined budgeting and amendment processes. Work closely with Programme Financial Control (PFC) to assist with annual CEAC and monthly EAC processes.
• Data Integrity: Ensure data accuracy within programme tools (e.g., PM Compass) and coordinate regular updates with Control Account Managers (CAMs).

Schedule & Risk Management

• Schedule Management: Develop and maintain the programme IMS, managing dependencies, schedule margin, and communicating intelligent metrics to the wider team.
• Risk Oversight: Support the delivery of effective risk management services, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks and opportunities.
• Schedule Risk Analysis: Assist in running Schedule Risk Analysis (SRA) and interpreting findings to advise programme teams on best practices.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Programme Reviews: Support Integrated Programme Reviews (IPR) and Monthly Programme Reviews (MPR) by preparing accurate charts, and performance data.
• Collaborative Liaison: Build effective relationships with Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and CAMs to ensure alignment and transparency across the programme.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in the development and documentation of department processes to drive efficiency and respond to customer requirements.
• New Business Support: Provide planning and risk expertise to support on-contract growth and new business opportunities.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience: Demonstrable experience working as part of a programme delivery team and/or a multi-skilled PMO team. Experience in setting up large programmes and establishing initial baselines.
• Programme Performance Management: Solid understanding of Programme Performance Management principles and methodologies.
• Tool Proficiency: Exceptional level of understanding of our toolsets and processes (PPMP). Expertise in the use of Microsoft Project® and Deltek Open Plan® or similar tools. Proficient use of ARM (Risk Management) tool or equivalent.
• Technical Skills: Proficient knowledge in the application of Earned Value Management, particularly on complex or large engineering programmes. Experience with schedule risk management tools and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Communication & Collaboration: Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Good listener with the ability to quickly understand problems and build strong working relationships.
• Self-Management: Capable of working with minimal supervision / direction, but ensuring soundness and accuracy of work.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined years of professional experience.

Desired Skills

• Experience of delivering programme controls on bids and proposal activities.
• Demonstrable skills in training people on Programme Controls/Programme Performance topics.
• Well versed in Programmatic governance approaches.