Your new company Hays Belfast are working closely with a leading main contractor based in Northern Ireland as they look to hire a Head of Planning. Operating across the UK and Ireland, your new employer is recognised for its commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term client partnerships. Working across education, commercial, defence, healthcare and public sector projects, the business continues to expand and strengthen its operational capability. To support this growth, they are seeking a highly experienced Head of Planning to lead its planning function across NI and UK regions, and drive programme excellence across the business. This is a senior position within the company and will offer you scope to help shape and deliver construction projects across multiple sectors and regions. Your new role As Head of Planning, you will lead the planning team and oversee all programme development, planning processes, progress management and strategic planning activity across both live projects and pre construction schemes. In this senior role, you will: Lead and develop a team of planners across multiple regions Work with the existing and growing team to produce detailed tender and construction programmes using Asta Powerproject (primarily). Work closely with commercial and bid teams, providing programme expertise to support competitive tender submissions Advise on construction sequencing, methodology and resource requirements Monitor project progress, identify delays and implement recovery strategies Provide accurate programme updates and performance reports to the Board of Directors Communicate programme changes clearly to internal and external stakeholders Ensure planning activities align with the requirements of NEC and JCT forms of contract Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, reporting and project governance Oversee Quality Assurance and provide commercial vs risk assessment. Help develop 4D planning and BIM integration. This is a senior leadership position with significant influence over project delivery strategy and business performance. What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, it will be expected that you have operated at a Senior Level within Construction Planning and have a strong construction background. You will require experience of the below: Extensive experience in a senior planning role within the construction industry Expert knowledge of Asta Powerproject 1 other form of software (P6 Primavera or MS Project) Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contract frameworks Experience supporting tender submissions and working closely with bid/commercial teams Ability to lead, mentor and develop a planning team Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills and confidence presenting to senior management and stakeholders Commercial awareness and the ability to foresee programme risks and opportunities Ideally, have knowledge of 4D Planning and understanding of BIM integration. Some travel will be required with the role to visit other regions. What you'll get in return This is a senior position within one of Northern Ireland's leading construction companies, and you will benefit from a reflective package. A senior leadership role having influence over large scale construction projects in multiple regions. Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunities for progression and professional development The chance to shape planning strategy and influence major project outcomes A supportive and collaborative working environment Private healthcare pension and holidays will all be included. The choice of 2 Northern Ireland offices with limited UK travel is required. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up to date copy of your CV, or call Chris McNamara now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be Skills: Head of Planning Planning Manager Senior Planner ASTA MS Project P6 Primavera Benefits: £Negotiable