Sue Orton

Resourceful Lead Project Planner with extensive experience in defence, engineering, and supply chain scheduling. Proven ability to develop, monitor, and maintain comprehensive project timelines, ensuring stakeholder alignment and milestone visibility. Adept at schedule impact assessments, risk mitigation, and utilizing Earned Value Analysis (EVA) to drive project success. Seeking to leverage strong planning and leadership skills to support project objectives at Turner & Townsend.

Lead Project Planner at GE Vernova Naval Defence (2025-04 – Present)

• Developed, maintained, and monitored comprehensive schedules encompassing engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, site works, and commissioning.
• Facilitated alignment across project stakeholders, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure precise timelines and milestone visibility.
• Created and managed baseline plans, executed schedule updates, and supported contract change control processes.
• Served as a key planning interface in customer and internal meetings, delivering clear and assertive schedule presentations.
• Assisted the commercial team by reviewing contractual terms related to scheduling and progress reporting.
• Led the preparation of schedule impact assessments for variation orders and internal change controls.
• Identified risks and opportunities early, implementing proactive mitigation strategies to safeguard project delivery timelines.
• Supported Project Managers with early warning alerts and recovery plans that reduced cost and schedule exposure.
• Developed critical path and 'what-if' analyses to evaluate project resilience and optimise execution pathways.
• Generated schedule-derived outputs, including Earned Value Analysis (EVA), to provide data-driven insights into project health.
• Monitored and reported progress to internal and external stakeholders with transparency, clarity, and rigor.

Lead Cost Controller (Projects in excess of 50M GBP) at GE Vernova (2023-12 – 2025-04)

• Ensured project costs were managed using global standard tools and practices.
• Aligned budgeted values with historical performance metrics.
• Reviewed project schedules and progress to pinpoint cost risks and opportunities.
• Evaluated project scope evolution to identify cost risks and opportunities.
• Assessed functional execution and events to identify cost risks and opportunities.
• Provided cost analytics leveraging project data and analyses of cost and productivity trends.
• Owned and directed the project deviation process utilizing business tools.
• Facilitated regular cost operating meetings to discuss risks and opportunities.
• Developed cost forecasts based on functional input and analysis, challenging functional estimates when necessary.
• Checked and controlled cost movements by comparing current scope and forecasts with historical data.
• Presented all financial information transparently.
• Attended Project and Management reviews to present cost status and actions taken.
• Provided time-sensitive cost forecasts and supported revenue recognition.
• Managed resource needs and timelines efficiently.

Lead Project Controls Advisor at FieldCore – (A GE Company) (2019-03 – 2023-12)

• Managed, reviewed, and tracked budgets for each site and phase within the contract scope, employing SAP ERP system and Smartsheet combined with JCE to uncover cost reduction opportunities.
• Prepared precise financial reports and statements for 34 active contracts across the UK and Ireland.
• Conducted thorough examinations of financial reports, analysing and resolving data discrepancies to minimise misbilling and incorrect allocations.
• Established and maintained the finance function of the ERP system across UK and Ireland Gas Power business units with high accuracy.
• Developed and implemented financial process improvements leading to enhanced departmental efficiencies.
• Oversaw all facets of accounting and financial control operations for the UK and Ireland Gas Power segment, managing annual revenues exceeding £200,000,000.
• Drove key performance indicators and spearheaded continuous improvements across logistics and supplier operations.
• Conducted technical and customer meetings to bolster communication and strengthen internal and external relationships.
• Effectively managed a diverse portfolio of over 34 projects with budgets up to 40M GBP.
• Collaborated with Procurement, Resource and Finance teams to address any issues swiftly.
• Generated comprehensive reports detailing project information and forecasts.
• Defined project deliverables and monitored task statuses efficiently.
• Increased process improvement initiatives and troubleshot problems for corrective actions enhancing functionality and workflow.
• Conducted both internal and external meetings to enhance communication and foster strong relationships.
• Partnered with cross-functional teams to draft project schedules and plans diligently.
• Maintained an excellent working knowledge of industry trends and offered exemplary support to end-users.
• Achieved annual savings through the implementation of new processes and reduction of wasted resources.
• Sustained relevant qualifications for optimal training and development.

Lead Customer Support Specialist at GE (2017-03 – 2019-03)

• Assisted customers with inquiries and concerns effectively.
• Investigated and resolved billing and service discrepancies with a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Organised weekly sales reports for the sales department to monitor product performance effectively.
• Completed continuing education and training programmes to further professional development.
• Gathered information to resolve customer inquiries proficiently.
• Processed returns and exchanges seamlessly.
• Executed in-depth research to address more complex customer questions.
• Responded promptly to general inquiries from members, staff, and clients through various communication channels.
• Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies aimed at addressing needs and resolving concerns.
• Communicated all parts requirements or issues to appropriate supervisors in a timely manner.
• Informed customers regarding billing procedures, processed payments, and assisted in arranging payment options.
• Operated under strict deadlines and responded effectively to service requests and emergency call-outs.
• Resolved customer issues utilising strong interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques.
• Liaised with customers, management, and the sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend suitable solutions.
• Fielded diverse customer questions and resolved issues efficiently and effectively.
• Communicated with vendors regarding backorder availability, future inventory, and special requests.
• Tracked shipment processes through customs and other agencies, obtaining necessary clearances.
• Maintained open lines of communication with customers and overseas partners to keep all parties updated on order and shipping changes.
• Prepared accurate budgets, tax reports, and variance analyses to facilitate company operations.
• Enhanced productivity through strategic scheduling and effective time management.

CIPS – Cheltenham Tutorial College (2016 – 2018)

Diploma in Supply Chain Management – Staffordshire University (2016 – 2017)

Diploma in Communication Process – Staffordshire University (2015 – 2016)

Diploma in Child Psychology Cognitive Development Birth to Adolescence – Open University (1994 – 1996)