Project Planner – Contract – Salisbury – Up to £450/day (Inside IR35)

A leading engineering-led organisation in the Aerospace & Defence sector is looking for an experienced Project Planner to join their Programmes Directorate on a contract basis. This role plays a key part in developing and embedding a standardised project planning approach, supporting a wide range of complex programmes.

You’ll work closely with Project Managers to develop and maintain high-quality project schedules, support schedule risk analysis, and contribute to critical reporting and governance processes. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced, technical environments.

The Role:

• Develop, monitor, and maintain integrated project plans
• Support critical path analysis, risk assessment, and mitigation planning
• Lead standardised project reporting outputs and review board material
• Help define and implement best practice planning processes and toolsets (MS Project, Jira, etc.)
• Contribute to the selection and rollout of PM tools across the business
• Deputise for the Head of PMO when needed

You’ll need:

• Strong experience in project planning/scheduling within engineering environments
• Proficiency with MS Project, Jira, and project reporting/forecasting
• Knowledge of planning across development and production projects
• Experience with schedule risk analysis and performance tracking
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (British citizen or 5 years UK residency)

Bonus Points:

• Experience working within a PMO in an SME environment
• Formal PM qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM PMQ, PMP)
• STEM degree preferred but not essential

Location: Hybrid in Salisbury – 3 days per week on site
Contract: Inside IR35, up to £450/day
Duration: 6 months