Are you a Programme Planner looking for the next step in your career?Do you have experience in the use of MS Project at an advanced level including the production and use of detailed Gantt charts to manage resources and the critical path?Can you manage multiple areas of activity simultaneously and across multiple departments?If so, then consider the role of Programme Planner with Reed in Partnership.Reed in Partnership is a public service provider delivering a range of services that transform people and their communities. These services are delivered across our Assessment, Employability, Wellbeing, Citizen Services and Environment divisions.Our Reed Assessment division, a national provider of trusted and secure testing and assessments, is planning for the significant expansion of its testing operations during 2024. We are currently bidding for the delivery, on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), of Key Stage 1 & 2 testing to all Primary School students in England. Securing this multi–million pound contract would see Reed Assessment responsible, directly and through its supply chain partners, for the production, distribution, marking and moderating of all key stage tests across Primary Schools.We are now looking to build an experienced implementation and delivery team ready to successfully mobilise this contract from April 2024. Travel to the West Midlands region (Coventry) will be expected at key points of the implementation cycle, the frequency of which will vary. This role is due to start in April 2024.What is the role about?The STA project is implementing the administration, delivery and marking of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests in Primary Schools in the UK. The Programme Planner will be responsible for developing, updating, and refining the overall Implementation Plan, working with functional leads and subcontractors to identify and manage critical dependencies, movement, and the change control process against planned milestones. This will include reporting progress of the plan, risks and issues identified, impacts of slippage or delay and suggested actions to bring the plan back on track.A significant component of the Programme Planner's role is the ongoing implementation and project management activity needed to ensure that all requirements are captured in the transition from the bidding phase through to contract implementation and operational delivery. The role will require the individual to be responsible for keeping full records of all activity during implementation and reporting on activity against critical milestones for key internal and external stakeholders. The role will be responsible for risk identification, management and coordination during implementation, and this includes identifying contingency arrangements. This includes the management of the tools, reporting processes and systems for recording and tracking all implementation activity.What's in it for you?Alongside a generous base salary (pro–rata for part time), and great flexibility with your working schedule, we offer training, development and progression opportunities. You will have access to a wide range of Reed in Partnership benefits, which include: 25 days annual leave (pro–rata for part time) + Bank HolidaysReed Pension SchemeAward Winning Management & Leadership trainingProfessional & Personal Development FundsBi–annual pay reviewsPlus much more that can be found Here With the chance to dramatically make a difference to the local community, this role offers immense job satisfaction.Just some of your day–to–day responsibilities will include:Key duties include: Maintaining overview of implementation activities based on Commissioner and internal business requirements.Reporting project status, changes, risks, issues and forecasts to project sponsor / project board.Identifying and reporting against progress of project dependencies, highlighting the need for and facilitating realisation of cross–functional communications and cooperation.Preparing and facilitating project team meetings.Ensuring project risks and issues are monitored, recorded, evaluated, managed and escalated in line with Reed methodologySupporting and informing communications with external project clients and stakeholders.Supporting and informing internal company communications about projects and their progress.Preparation of documents and presentations for board meetings and other internal and external meetings.Production of documents, briefing papers, reports and presentations. Essential Criteria:Experience of project management on large and/or complex projects or implementations.Degree qualification (or equivalent) obtained in a literate and analytical discipline;Ability to absorb complex information quickly and present it in a way that can be understood by stakeholders at all levels.Use of MS Project at an advanced level including the production and use of detailed Gantt charts to manage resources and the critical pathIntermediate to advanced knowledge of excel; and intermediate knowledge of other Office packages.Demonstrates a high level of business and commercial awareness.Shows exceptional time keeping and organisational skills including the ability to work to deadlines.Demonstrable experience of production of high quality presentations to customers and internal senior management.A minimum of 2 A–Levels or an equivalent Level 3 Diploma.GCSE English Language at a minimum of a Grade B (or equivalent Level 2 qualification). OR achievement of a Level 2 in Literac