Project Planner

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Project Planner

Smiths Detection are seeking a skilled Project Planner to join our dynamic team—supporting mission‑critical programmes that help make the world a safer place.

Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and evolving effective planning and project controls across your assigned programme. This includes everything from developing robust Work Breakdown Structures to embedding Earned Value Management methodologies and maintaining schedule integrity throughout delivery.

You’ll partner closely with the Project Controls Manager and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance our delivery capability across the business.

You will play a key role in ensuring project success by:

• Creating and managing essential project artefacts (WBS, CBS, RAM, RACI, schedules, resource plans, risk/change controls, etc.)
• Establishing and maintaining cost, schedule, and resource baselines
• Applying recognised project control practices—including advanced Earned Value Management (EVM), especially within MoD environments
• Developing, maintaining, and narrating full lifecycle project schedules
• Monitoring progress, identifying trends, and driving mitigation actions
• Reviewing 3rd‑party schedules and integrating them into the contract master schedule
• Contributing to Risk & Opportunity Management Plans
• Embedding and managing the Baseline Change Control process
• Conducting monthly variance analysis and coordinating corrective actions

You bring a combination of education, technical skill, analytical ability, and a passion for getting things right.

Essential:

• HNC in Business, Project Management, Engineering, or related discipline
• Strong understanding of planning methodologies, including EVM
• Demonstrable experience in project planning, risk, and change management
• Proficiency with planning and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, Oracle ERP, Cobra
• Experience with risk and data tools (e.g., Pertmaster, ARM, Power BI)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Strong attention to detail, organisation, and initiative

Desirable:

• Experience working within MoD programmes
• Professional qualification in Project Controls (e.g., PPC Practitioner)
• Exposure to complex, technology‑based, integrated systems
• Continuous improvement mindset

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)