Planning Manager

An exciting Inside IR35 opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Planning Manager who has a proven track record of managing the Planning Team on major UK infrastructure schemes.

This role offers the chance to lead programme delivery across a portfolio of high-profile energy projects, including offshore wind connections, substation developments and underground cable installations. These projects are helping shape the UK's future energy network.

You will oversee a team of planners delivering planning and scheduling solutions across multiple projects nationwide. Planning profesionals with the ability to develop robust baseline construction programmes from first principles, supported by hands-on site delivery experience, will be particularly well suited to this position as this opportunity is ideal for an individual who has progressed from a site-based role such as Sub Agent or Agent into a successful career as a Senior Planner or Planning Manager, bringing both operational understanding and planning expertise to the table.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Leadership

• Lead planning activities across several major infrastructure projects, ensuring programmes align with business objectives and project delivery requirements.
• Drive consistency and best practice across planning teams and project portfolios.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and professional development support to planners at all levels.
• Promote effective planning processes that enable successful project outcomes.

Programme Development & Delivery

• Define project scope, programme assumptions, constraints and key delivery drivers.
• Develop and oversee detailed project programmes, reports and planning deliverables.
• Support tender submissions through the development of effective planning and delivery strategies.
• Ensure programmes remain aligned with commercial requirements, contractual obligations and delivery objectives.
• Monitor project critical paths, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies where required.
• Manage resource planning, including labour, plant, equipment and materials.
• Support subcontractor and supplier programme management activities.
• Analyse performance data, KPIs and project progress to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience developing, managing and maintaining fully resourced project programmes from concept through to completion.
• Strong capability in creating strategic tender programmes and presenting planning solutions to key stakeholders.
• Proven experience managing contract programmes on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of critical path methodology, change management and programme risk analysis.
• Ability to produce clear planning reports, progress updates and performance metrics for senior leadership teams.
• Experience mentoring and developing planning professionals.
• Effective communicator who can collaborate with project, engineering, commercial and client teams.
• Committed to continuous improvement and driving planning excellence across project delivery teams.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline preferred.
• Demonstrable experience in a Senior Planner or Planning Manager capacity on major UK infrastructure projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject, together with strong Excel and reporting skills.
• Sound knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, Earned Value Management (EVM), QSRA and risk analysis methodologies.
• Ability to work autonomously while also leading and collaborating within a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying programme risks and opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

If you are interested in this opportunity then kindly lodge your CV here now.