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