About Laminar Projects
Laminar Projects is a high‑end project management consultancy and technology developer focused on modernising the delivery of construction projects through process, technology, and people.
The Role
UK Critical Infrastructure – Defence
This role is primarily open to UK passport holders who have resided in the UK for at least the last five years, and to candidates holding nationalities from NATO or MISWG. Candidates must reside in the UK and be entitled to work with no restrictions.
The project is based in Southern England. The client typically requires 2‑3 days on site per fortnight, subject to change. Discuss flexibility and travel practicalities with us when applying.
Purpose of the role
As a top‑notch Planning Manager, you will lead planning for a major UK Critical Infrastructure project. This hands‑on leadership role places you as the client’s planning expert, possibly leading a team of 5‑10 planners and project controls professionals. You will also mentor 2‑5 consultants and drive improvement initiatives, assess client capability, and implement enhancements that achieve project success.
Your Team
Such Laminar projects comprise multi‑discipline Project Controls experts – Project Planning, Integrated Planning, Project Controls Reporting, and Earned Value Management. As a senior leader, you will provide strategic insight, support the client to optimise team skills, and balance this with helping the team deliver on the project. You will also contribute to internal initiatives and portfolio growth.
Core Responsibilities
- Own the plan: Define clear roles and responsibilities across the team to meet project requirements on time, staying adaptable as needs evolve.
- Own the outcome: Take full ownership of delivering the project's outcomes, keeping your team and the wider project aligned and focused.
- Report and inform: Drive the creation of clear, actionable reports tailored to stakeholders at all levels, enabling efficient delivery.
- Make scalable solutions: Develop repeatable and scalable best practices and tools in collaboration with the team for long‑term impact beyond the project.
- Develop everyone: Maximise development of your team personally and professionally, and educate clients to improve.
Your Capabilities
- Planning Excellence: Over 10 years delivering engineering and construction projects, expert‑level planning skills, and proficiency in Primavera P6.
- Planning Leadership: Demonstrated history of leading planning teams, managing planning tools and quality assurance. Clients trust your advice on improving construction delivery.
- Communication: Competent communicator in English with charisma and influence to guide people toward the best approach.
- Elevate with Energy: Passion for improvement, curiosity, innovation, and desire to leave a lasting legacy.
- Eligibility Requirements: Ability to obtain UK security clearance. Hold a UK passport and reside in the UK for at least five years, or hold a NATO/MISWG nationality; currently reside in the UK; no restrictions on the right to work.
As a candidate, you should have
- Mastery: Construction engineering background with at least 10 years experience and expert project planning knowledge.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal English.
- Leadership: Proven leader with a positive, relentless approach to people.
- Impact: Track record of making projects and organisations better beyond the basics.
Nice to Have (training will be provided)
- Strong Excel skills and interest in data.
- Charisma and influence to enable people to adopt new approaches.
- Proven coach/developer experience for teams or teams of teams.
- Track record of implementing repeatable, scalable solutions with significant impact.
Laminar isn’t the place for you if
- You want an easy, chilled‑out role without challenge.
- You like to be the smartest person in the room.
- You don’t like continuous honest candid feedback.
- You prefer to work on your own rather than with a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of projects are Laminar involved with?
In your first year, you’ll be exposed to multiple projects across complex environments, including data centres, infrastructure (defence, rail, highways), high‑tech (pharmaceuticals, semiconductors) and complex building projects. This is a hands‑on role with dynamic challenges.
Who are our clients?
Major owners/operators and main contractors with project values ranging from £1 m to £1 bn+ globally.
Where would I be working?
Work may alternate between remote, on‑site, and office locations, depending on the project. Site visits, workshops, and occasional travel to other regions are typical.
How does what I do connect with the long‑term impact on the construction industry?
Documentation of new solutions becomes part of our knowledge repository and is open‑sourced to the industry. Your work fuels product development, testing, and iterative improvement for everyone to benefit.
Benefits
The standard stuff
- Health Insurance Scheme – comprehensive private health coverage for you and your family.
- Pension Scheme – competitive plan with salary sacrifice options.
- Bonus Scheme – discretionary annual bonus based on performance, with a flexible mix of cash and equity.
- Professional body membership – one fee covered per year.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – tax‑efficient way to get a bike and help the environment.
The life‑changing stuff
- In‑house coaching – regular 1:1 confidential sessions for self‑awareness and intentional growth.
- Equity upside – generous equity scheme for long‑term employees.
- Flexible working – work where it makes sense; most of the team works from home.
- Relentless development – coach, mentor, honest feedback, and a culture that challenges continuous growth.
Important! Applying properly
We receive thousands of applications. Please include a cover letter answering: why you want to join us, why this role suits you, and how you could make an impact. We will read it carefully and, if shortlisted, schedule a casual conversation, followed by technical and personal assessments to match the level of responsibility.
We may use automated tools in the hiring process but final decisions are made by humans. For more information on data processing, contact us.
