A leading organisation within the maritime defence sector is seeking an experienced Lead Planner to support a complex, long-term shipbuilding program. Reporting into the Planning & Scheduling leadership team, this role is responsible for providing direction across planning and scheduling functions to ensure strong program governance, compliance, and delivery performance.
You will play a key role in developing and integrating planning frameworks across design, production, supply chain, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and configuration functions. This is a leadership position requiring both technical planning capability and the ability to guide and mentor a team.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead planning governance across the program, including development, release, and close-out of work orders aligned to the integrated schedule.
* Ensure work orders reflect schedule priorities, correct drawings, and required quality evidence.
* Manage schedule changes, including drawing revisions and controlled updates across planning and scheduling teams.
* Integrate scope across production, design, configuration, and ILS functions, ensuring alignment within ERP and the master schedule.
* Monitor schedule performance, conduct variance analysis, and support earned value reporting and forecasting.
* Identify schedule risks and support mitigation and formal change control processes.
* Resolve planning issues such as logic conflicts, material constraints, and schedule disruptions.
* Oversee subcontractor planning interfaces, validate progress updates, and ensure accurate integration into program schedules.
* Support integrated baseline reviews and drive continuous improvement across planning and scheduling processes.
About You
* Experience in project planning or scheduling within shipbuilding, defence, or complex manufacturing environments.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* High attention to detail with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
* Comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams.
* Experience using ERP systems (e.g. IFS or similar).
* Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
* Proficiency with Primavera P6 and Microsoft Excel.
* Exposure to defence contracting environments.
If you are open to learning more, or are looking to explore opportunities within the defence industry, please contact Ben on