Lead Planner - London & South East (L9)

Role Description

Arcadis Mobility Programme Management & Commercial Management unit is seeking a highly skilled Lead Project Planner to lead the planning and scheduling of one of our major programmes in London and the south of England. The pivotal role combines strategic planning, team leadership, and performance reporting to ensure successful project delivery.

Role Accountabilities

• Lead planning and scheduling on complex projects, ensuring robust project controls throughout the lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain project baseline plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules aligned with delivery objectives.
• Monitor progress, identify variances, and implement recovery and contingency plans.
• Provide expert input into bids, estimates, and resource planning to support business growth.
• Report on earned value, progress, and performance to inform financial forecasting and decision-making.
• Analyse project and programme data to identify trends, risks, and anomalies.
• Ensure compliance with planning standards and lifecycle frameworks.
• Audit contractor plans and monitor adherence to Network Rail procedures.
• Mentor and support planners, fostering skills development and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with clients, multidisciplinary teams, and stakeholders to deliver value and build strong relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and adopt emerging digital tools.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• 10+ year experience in project planning and scheduling, ideally within major rail or infrastructure programmes.
• Degree/HNC/HND in Engineering, Project Management, or a related subject.
• Strong understanding of UK mobility sector and project delivery requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficient in planning software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Excellent organisational, commercial, and communication skills.
• Experience with project controls, cost engineering, and financial operations.
• Familiarity with different contracting environments and commercial models.

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
• Broad understanding of rail, highways or aviation engineering, construction and investment planning systems.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.

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