Scheduler

The details

WHAT IS THE ROLE?

Scheduling is a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, requiring quick thinking, collaboration, and decision-making. This role will support the allocation of consultants (around 450 and growing fast) to projects, ensuring that the consultants are a good fit to the project requirements, whilst meeting the consultants’ development needs and career aspirations. Newton’s exciting growth in headcount, revenue and range of capabilities makes this an ever increasingly complex picture to manage but a rewarding and valuable one to get right. We hold an incredibly important position in the business where we need to balance the needs of the client, the individual, and Newton. The decisions are rarely simple and sometimes contentious.

We are currently a team of five in scheduling and are in the process of integrating a new scheduling system which will reduce administration and open new possibilities such as better understanding consultants’ skillsets and AI team creation. Our strong reputation and capability as a function means we are pulled into an ever-increasing range of related topics and important business decisions.

Day-to-day responsibilities will include scoping potential teams based on project requirements, using relevant data to ensure there is a good balance of skills and experience across the proposed team, updating the scheduling systems, producing and analysing reports, and liaising with the consultant body.

This role will predominantly support the Resource Manager for the Public Sector which consists of three market groups: Central Government, Local Government and Health & Integration.

Responsibilities:

• Scheduling and resourcing Newton programmes, ensuring optimal resource allocation in terms of project quality, project profitability and staff development.
• Responsible for a significant process in scheduling as it applies to the whole business e.g. skills capture or first project allocation. As well as running the process they will be the person primarily responsible for its continued improvement as the business grows.
• Providing administrative assistance to the Resource Managers, predominantly Public sector, however, collaboration, annual leave and sickness cover across sectors may be required.
• Supporting the Public Resource Manager with negotiations with senior stakeholders to deliver resourcing requirements.
• Formulating ideas to improve project resourcing, profitability and staff experience and then making those ideas a reality.
• Liaising, influencing and challenging effectively to build relationships at all levels and with multiple stakeholders who may have conflicting requirements.
• Working with and analysing resourcing data to ensure we are always on top of the resourcing of our programmes and are providing up-to-date reporting to stakeholders.
• Shared Inbox management and responding to ad-hoc queries.
• Assistance with the coordination of consultant downtime activities.
• Liaising with internal teams (e.g. Recruitment, Project Teams) and consultants in coordination of resource.
• Undertaking catch-up calls with consultants to discuss upcoming work, interests, aspirations etc.
• Data validation and entry within the Scheduling databases and other systems
• Data analysis and performance insights
• Maintenance of Scheduling reports
• Support and drive Scheduling improvement projects.
• Maintenance of internal information regarding the Scheduling function
• Deputise for Resource Managers where required

HOW DO WE DEVELOP AND REWARD YOU?

Newton maximises the potential of our people, whether in client-based consulting roles, or in Head Office functions. The prospects for career and personal development in this role are no exception, with future possibilities in scheduling as the business grows every year. We are also on a journey as a function of increasing automation and increasing influence on critical business decisions. We expect this individual to help drive this journey and to take the opportunities of increased responsibility it will give.

Supporting you starts from day one. New joiners often highlight the Newton energy and support they first encounter in the recruitment process and that continues through into their time at Newton. Once in role, you’ll get support from several sources – from stretching projects, on-the-job feedback and developmental guidance from across the business. You’ll have a dedicated and consistent Development Manager to support your career progression. You’ll receive regular appraisals and annual pay reviews.

We offer a highly competitive salary and our generous benefits package includes Life Assurance, Income Protection, pension contributions and 27 days holiday.

Joining us also brings many social benefits. We have a full social calendar with Autumn and Spring activity days, Christmas events, 2-day Summer event and 4 Newton-sponsored (optional) weekends a year.

YOUR EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

You’ll be a high calibre individual, with high levels of personal drive and an eagerness for personal development. An analytical mind, coupled with good communication skills and a positive attitude are essential to fit into the Newton culture. Newton is a fast-growing organisation, driving change as we move into new areas of business. The successful candidate will be excited by, and embrace, this type of fast-paced, changing environment.

Skills and Experience:

• Resilient and a self-starter
• Strong team player
• Proactive, empathetic, and a sense of urgency
• Prioritisation and organisational skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Relationship skills, including communication, influencing and stakeholder management.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Good knowledge of MS Office packages
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
• Able to deal confidentially with personal and sensitive information.
• Experience of resource planning would be advantageous but is not essential.

Next steps