Planning Lead

Methods are recruiting for a Planning Lead to join on a permanent basis.

The post holder will be Home-based (this role will require regular UK travel and at times will need you to stay away from home)

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited

Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet.

We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.

Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

The role

The Planning role has responsibilities for supporting client delivery, business development and the development of approaches and standards within the change delivery practice.

The post-holder will be part of the growing Change Delivery practice, reporting to the Head of Change Delivery and will be expected to work across the Change & Innovation Portfolio. The Change & Innovation Portfolio combines the skills and capabilities for designing and delivering digital transformation, combining tangible innovation and emerging technologies to deliver sustainable value to our public sector clients. It brings together the change and technology capabilities to design and deliver innovative solutions and services that enable clients to understand and capture the practical benefits of emerging technology, with the project and programme management expertise to deliver them.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced planner to oversee the planning and scheduling of major projects and programmes across various government departments. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of high-profile and complex projects that have a significant impact on public services and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have at least ten years’ experience working in programme and project environments and over five years’ experience of working in technology and/or business change consultancy. They will have relevant project and programme qualifications and applied practitioner expertise in the different aspects of PPM design and delivery.

Successful applicants will have experience of large-scale transformation programmes and a broad understanding of the UK public services landscape with experience in different sectors. In addition to demonstrable client engagement skills, they will have a good understanding about the challenges faced in public sector delivery and an interest in innovating with new techniques and technology to support the more efficient delivery of improved outcomes. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning and Scheduling:
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive project schedules using industry-standard planning tools.
• Ensure alignment of project plans with overall programme objectives and timelines.
• Identify critical path activities and milestones to ensure timely project delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across government departments to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Facilitate communication between project teams, stakeholders, and executive leadership to ensure clarity and alignment.
• Risk Management:
• Identify potential risks and issues that could impact project timelines and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and report on project progress, highlighting any deviations from the plan and proposing corrective actions.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project performance and progress.
• Prepare regular status reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Process Improvement:
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in project planning and management.
• Mentor and train project teams on planning methodologies and tools to enhance overall project delivery capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in project planning and scheduling, with a focus on major projects and programmes.
• Extensive experience with project management software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.
• Proven track record of successful project delivery support in a government or public sector environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• High level of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Previous experience directing large multi-disciplinary teams across disparate locations.
• Effective negotiation and resource planning.
• Experience of public sector programme management
• Portfolio management qualifications and experience

Benefits

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect:

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring, and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

As well as this we offer:

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Discretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performance

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (