Manager, Communications

Defence Programme Schedule Manager

Job Description Summary

This role works directly in support of the Lead Schedule Manager within the Programme Operations function of a major Defence Programme Management Office (PMO).

The Schedule Management team supports the Programme Operations Manager in developing, maintaining and controlling programme schedules, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, key milestones and contractual commitments. The team monitors schedule performance, identifies risks and opportunities, and facilitates informed decision-making across a complex multi-stakeholder environment.

Programme Operations encompasses activities related to programme planning, performance measurement and operational governance. This ensures programme performance can be effectively monitored, risks and opportunities are identified and managed, and operational challenges are minimised throughout the programme lifecycle.

The Schedule Manager will be responsible for:

• Developing, maintaining and updating programme schedules, including integrated master schedules and associated planning artefacts.
• Identifying and highlighting scheduling criticalities, including conflicts, delays and resource constraints.
• Delivering schedule updates and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identifying and managing Assumptions, Dependencies and Exclusions (ADEs).
• Identifying potential programme risks and opportunities related to schedule performance.
• Managing and monitoring dependencies across workstreams to minimise programme delays.
• Reviewing and validating programme assumptions on a regular basis.
• Supporting schedule analysis and performance reporting activities.
• Ensuring schedule data integrity and alignment with programme governance requirements.

The role does not carry direct Profit and Loss responsibility but operates within a complex defence programme environment, supporting the review, reporting and management of activities across multiple stakeholders and delivery partners in accordance with established programme management frameworks and governance processes.

Opportunity

This position has been created to support the delivery of a major defence programme and offers the opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, strategically important initiative. The successful candidate will work within an established Programme Controls function, helping to shape and deliver best-practice scheduling and programme control processes while collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in schedule management and planning within large, complex defence, aerospace, engineering or government programmes.
• Strong expertise in developing, maintaining and controlling project schedules using recognised methodologies such as Critical Path Method (CPM).
• Experience working with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and programme planning tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor, analyse and report on schedule performance, identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Strong understanding of programme dependencies and their impact on delivery timelines.
• Experience balancing resources, priorities and deadlines to support successful programme delivery.
• Advanced problem-solving, analytical and risk management capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively within highly regulated and governance-driven environments.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance. Additional National Security Vetting (NSV) requirements may apply depending on programme and customer requirements.