If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given. Operational Readiness & Transition - Principal Planning Specialist Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Package: Up to £90k (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience) Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight.We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. Let us introduce the role AWE is currently recruiting for a Principal Planning Specialist to work within the Operational Readiness and Transition Group. This is a new and exciting area within the business that provides assurance to AWE and MOD senior leadership that new capabilities and business change programmes deliver the benefits required and within the approved timeframe. The Planning Specialist role acts as the Operational Readiness & Transition (ORT) Group focus for AWE ORT Policy, Strategy, Plans and supporting processes, generating the forecast for the deployment of Operational Readiness Managers across the various future projects and programmes being undertaken by AWE. You will play a vital part in the development and maintenance of pan - AWE ORT policy and procedures; for their coherence and integration with wider AWE and other pertinent policy; and for identifying where they require amendment, as well as developing solutions and recommendations for complex problems affecting the ORT function - as part of the drive to achieve efficiencies in project delivery across AWE. You will also be the Deputy Leader of the Group, providing personnel focus, leadership and assistance to the team in recruitment, performance and routine management of the team's outputs. This role will suit someone who is a self-starter with the ability to use their own initiative and be pro-active instead of reactive. Who are we looking for? We do need you to have the following: A defence, government, nuclear or other programme management background Ability to be proactive and use own initiative. Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following: Project and operational management skills. Very strong organisational and planning skills Ability to understand the operational readiness requirements, drivers, and solutions - to inform generation/development of policy, strategy, process, procedures, tools and techniques. Practical Programme and Project experience in comparable environments. • Proven track record of driving delivery, performance, and continuous improvement Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships. You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines. Some reasons we think you'll love it here: AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include: 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave. Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions). Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay. Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Life Assurance (4 x annual salary). Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending. Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring. The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'. Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2/3days onsite per week. LI-ZB Next steps: Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application. Important things you need to know: We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process. Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions. Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.