Junior Project Planner

Job Title: Junior Project Planner

Location: Rochester. This role will require full-time, on site attendance

Salary: £26,000

Who we are: 

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Junior Project Planner, you will support with the planning, scheduling and monitoring of projects while working closely with Programme Managers and project teams. The role involves maintaining project plans, supporting cost and schedule analysis, monitoring progress and contributing to risk and performance reviews. You will gain hands-on experience with industry planning tools and develop an understanding of project controls and Earned Value Management within a complex and fast paced defence environment.

Core duties:

• You will be developing a comprehensive understanding of the project planning and control tools and processes used on site through a combination of guided learning and hands-on experience
• You will assist Programme Managers and Control Account Managers with creating and maintaining project schedules using the Microsoft Project and Deltek Cobra tools
• You will be monitoring and progressing project plans through regular updates, ensuring key issues are promptly communicated to relevant stakeholders
• You will be responsible for overseeing the monthly Estimate to Complete process for assigned programmes, providing variance analysis to support the Project Manager and CAMs in managing programme costs
• You will develop your expertise in Earned Value Management tools and techniques, applying these methodologies appropriately to the projects you work on
• You will be required to lead relevant schedule-related reviews within your project teams, ensuring that any planning issues are identified and addressed accordingly to minimise any impact on the programme schedule
• You will be responsible for carrying out requested analyses, including schedule adherence, schedule performance measurements and Schedule Risk Analysis

Essential Skills:

• You will need to have gained GCSEs (grades A*–C or 9–4) in English and Maths, or hold recognised equivalent qualifications, along with two A-Levels (grades A*–C) or similar qualifications
• You will require a strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office, with the ability to adapt quickly to new software tools
• You will need to be confident in stakeholder negotiation and influence, with a proactive and resourceful approach to tasks
• You will require excellent organisational skills combined with good attention to detail and the ability to multitask and prioritise demands

The Project Management Team:

By joining us in the team, you will have the opportunity to gain experience across a variety of projects while working closely with Project Management, Engineering, Finance and Manufacturing teams. You will develop skills in project planning and controls, receive structured career development support and build upon your expertise with supporting successful project delivery.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 10th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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