Planning Manager – Major Construction Project
Location: Somerset
Sector: Construction / Major Infrastructure
Employer: Tier 1 Contractor
Our client, a leading Tier 1 Contractor, is delivering a £4bn+ landmark construction project in Somerset and is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join the project’s central Planning & Project Controls team.
This is a pivotal role on a multi-billion pound programme, where planning will directly influence strategic decision making and ensure that project delivery remains aligned with key business objectives. You will play a critical role in shaping how time, logistics and resources are managed across one of the project’s primary delivery areas.
This opportunity offers the chance to work on one of the UK’s most significant construction schemes, alongside a high-performing project team on a technically complex and nationally important project.
The Role
As Planning Manager, you will lead the planning function for a major area of the project, ensuring robust programmes, accurate forecasting, and effective project controls that support delivery certainty and proactive decision making.
You will be responsible for developing high-quality construction programmes and providing the insight needed for project teams and stakeholders to understand progress, risks and future performance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the planning function across one of the project’s primary delivery areas
* Identify and implement the appropriate planning strategy, methodologies and logistics across the project lifecycle
* Develop detailed programmes with robust work breakdown structures, correct logic and clear presentation
* Define and structure project activities to clearly demonstrate the logical flow of work
* Produce phasing diagrams, logistics plans and resource/plant histograms to support project planning
* Establish accurate progress tracking and reporting to ensure clarity on project performance
* Strengthen predictability through robust project controls, forecasting and early warning processes
* Utilise project data to support decision making and reduce delivery risk
* Clearly communicate programme strategy, progress and performance to stakeholders, project teams and supply chain partners
* Consider commercial and contractual implications when developing and maintaining programmes
* Foster strong collaboration across the wider project team and planning function
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience managing planning on large and complex construction projects
* Strong understanding and experience working under NEC forms of contract
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Strong technical knowledge of construction methodology and planning from first principles
* Advanced user of Powerproject planning software
Desirable Experience
* Experience within the industrial or major infrastructure sectors
* Experience leading or mentoring planning team members
* Knowledge of 4D planning and digital construction technologies
* Experience working on Construction Management (CM) projects
Personal Attributes
* Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in planning practices
* Ability to use data-driven insights to influence project strategy
* Collaborative approach with strong leadership capability
* Experience contributing to pre-contract planning activities
Why Apply?
* Work on a landmark £4bn+ construction project
* Join a Tier 1 contractor delivering nationally significant infrastructure
* Be part of a high-level planning and project controls leadership team
* Competitive salary, package and long-term project stability