Title: Planning Lead Location: Warrington Job Type: Contract Rate: Open Clearance Required: BPSS Job Profile We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Planning Lead to oversee and manage the planning process within GBE-N. This leadership role is pivotal in driving the strategic direction, ensuring that planning operations align with organizational goals, and facilitating effective resource allocation. The Planning Lead will collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders to create, implement, and track comprehensive plans that drive successful project outcomes. Day to day duties: - Lead the planning process for projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources, and define timelines to ensure efficient project execution. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to track project progress, identify risks, and resolve issues. Ensure smooth communication and coordination across teams, departments, and stakeholders. - Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring they are optimized for project success. Work closely with team leads to forecast resource needs and adjust plans accordingly. - Regularly monitor the progress of planning activities and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports to senior management on project status, risks, and mitigation strategies. - Proactively identify potential risks or delays in the planning process and provide solutions to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that projects stay on track. - Provide leadership and guidance to junior planners or planning team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Support the professional development of the planning team. - Assess current planning processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals. - Act as the main point of contact for key stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that all parties are kept informed of planning progress and any necessary changes. Knowledge, Skills and Experience required: - Strong background in planning, project management, and resource allocation with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget. - Ability to analyse data and project requirements to identify risks and proactively implement solutions. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. - Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with cross-functional teams, management, and external stakeholders. - Demonstrated experience in leading teams, providing guidance, and promoting collaboration among team members. Ability to motivate and drive high performance. - In-depth knowledge of planning methodologies, project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera), and best practices within the industry. - Ability to adjust planning strategies and processes in response to changing business needs or unexpected challenges. - Strong organisational skills with a focus on accuracy, ensuring that all project plans and resources are effectively managed. Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in engineering, project management, or a related field preferred. - Proficient in planning tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Excel) and capable of leveraging these tools for efficient project tracking and reporting.