Job Description:

Microsoft Project (MSP) Training SME / ConsultantOverviewWe are seeking an experienced Microsoft Project (MSP) Subject-Matter Expert (SME) to design and deliver a bespoke training programme focused on improving project planning capability across a programme management community.The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in Microsoft Project with proven experience designing and delivering engaging training courses for both beginner and advanced users. The assignment will focus on building practical capability, embedding best practice planning techniques, and demonstrating how modern AI tools can be leveraged to improve project controls, reporting, and planning effectiveness.
Key ResponsibilitiesTraining Design & Development

• Design and develop a structured Microsoft Project training curriculum.
• Create learning materials, exercises, user guides and supporting documentation.
• Tailor content to different levels of planning maturity and experience.
• Develop practical examples and case studies using real-world project planning scenarios.

Training DeliveryDeliver training covering:Foundation MSP Capability

• Building and maintaining project schedules.
• Task creation and structuring.
• Milestone management, including understanding 0, 1 and 2 milestone planning approaches.
• Critical path identification and management.
• Baselines and schedule tracking.
• Resource allocation fundamentals.
• Reporting and Management Information (MI).
• Exporting data to Excel and other reporting tools.
• Maintaining an effective and accurate project plan.

Intermediate & Advanced MSP Capability

• Advanced scheduling and optimisation techniques.
• Programme and portfolio planning approaches.
• Dependency and interdependency management.
• Schedule risk assessment and mitigation.
• Scenario planning and "what-if" analysis.
• Contingency planning techniques.
• Assurance and validation of large-scale project schedules.
• Best practice management of complex plans containing hundreds or thousands of activities.
• Visual planning and executive-level reporting.

AI-Enabled Planning & Reporting

• Demonstrate how AI tools can support project planning activities.
• Show how AI can assist with schedule creation, updates and reporting.
• Demonstrate approaches for generating management information and insights.
• Explore methods for creating more accessible visual plans for senior stakeholders
• Embed AI-assisted planning techniques into day-to-day project controls activities.

Knowledge Transfer

• Produce post-training guidance and supporting materials.
• Provide recommendations for ongoing capability development.
• Support the adoption of planning best practices across the organisation.

Essential Experience

• Extensive expertise in Microsoft Project (MSP).
• Proven experience designing and delivering MSP training programmes.
• Strong understanding of project, programme and portfolio planning.
• Experience managing critical paths, dependencies and schedule risk.
• Ability to explain complex planning concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience producing executive reporting and management information.
• Strong facilitation, coaching and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience developing training materials, guides and learning content.

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