Lead Planner

Lead Planner
A role for a Lead Planner has been released by my client which will occupy a unique role on one of the largest Financial Services Software delivery programmes in the U.K. The programme is to implement software, people and processes into one of their largest clients.

The holder of the role will manage a team of project planners working on detailed plans for both the client and the company. They will also be responsible for a small team providing senior management teams and directors of both organisations with detailed M.I. on Programme Progress against milestones, financial targets, and earned value analysis

The role will be leading all Programme Planning activities and ensure the key milestones, dependencies and milestone levelling is structured to support delivery of the programme.

You will also be responsible for
*Assisting the Workstream Leads for to build and maintain detailed MS Project plans in accordance with the best practice
*Implement a process to capture and report on Earned Value progress throughout the programme
*Manage processes for amalgamation of programme wide plans on a regular basis to ensure appropriate dependency, resource and delivery management activities are maintained
*Provide technical support, guidance and advice to the planning team on ways to improve and support the programme wide planning process
*Define, embed and mange appropriate change governance and use planning best practice, continually assess this throughout the life cycle and amending as appropriate to optimise effectiveness of the governance.
*Produce/Review/QC of all senior level programme reporting
*Facilitate Audit activities as and when required
*Provide cover for Planning specialists as required
*Support the workstream leads and plan owners that interact with the planning team by regularly assessing the effectiveness of the interactions and suggest ways to enhance the relationships between the Planning and M.I. team and these teams.
*Responsible for personal development of their direct reports.
*Identify gaps in procedures/processes in relation to the Programme Planning and M.I. functions, propose and implement new procedures as appropriate, and make judgements for the Programme where procedures not already in place.
*Take responsibility for agreed tasks as defined in the Planning and M.I. Lead, general responsibilities.
*Produce appropriate communications to a diverse audience:

You will have the following experience
*Comprehensive knowledge and Experience with Microsoft Project and it's application across a large Software Delivery Programme
*Previous management experience of a dedicated Programme Planning function with multiple planners
*Strong experience of producing senior stakeholder communications utilising the full MS Office toolset including Powerpoint, Excel and Word.
*Experience of working with large projects/programmes with a business & technology content.
*Detailed knowledge of the project/programme processes/life cycle
*A good level of understanding of the Financial Services Industry.
*Ability to develop and clearly document change processes and best practice
*Excellent communication skills - verbal and written at all levels
*High degree of analytical skills
*Ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines

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