We’re looking for a PMO Programme Planner to join our South West Major Projects Team within the RIIO-ED2 and ED3 programme. Reporting to the Regional PMO Lead, you will play a key role in shaping and assuring the delivery of our major capital investment programme. The role is highly visible, working at the heart of the business with regional teams, project teams, finance partners and suppliers to ensure our plans are robust, credible and deliver against financial and operational targets and commitments.
The position follows a hybrid working approach with a mix of office and home working. It will be based within the South West region, with a preference for Bristol, Taunton, Exeter or Weston-supper-Mare. The role is full‑time, with flexibility in working pattern considered, and occasional travel across the region (including Gloucester) will be needed.
Main Responsibilities
* Proactively collaborate with the Regional Head of Department and Major Projects Team Managers to drive strategic project prioritisation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
* Work with Team Managers across the South West to plan a comprehensive work programme that aligns to financial delivery targets, taking into account project timelines, budget constraints and resource availability.
* Assist in defining project resourcing strategies, working closely with Major Projects Team Managers to optimise resource allocation across various projects and teams in alignment with business priorities.
* Support the development, consolidation and ongoing assurance of the South West Major Projects programme to ensure plans are realistic, prioritised and aligned to RIIO-ED2 and ED3 commitments.
* Provide assurance across annual and monthly CAPEX forecasts, budgets and other performance‑related metrics and targets.
* Review project forecasts and assumptions through detailed due diligence, ensuring financial and delivery data is accurate, understood and credible.
* Oversee key financial housekeeping activities, including purchase orders, sanctions, invoicing, receipting and project closures, ensuring operational and governance requirements are met.
* Review accruals and milestone payments, working in partnership with Finance Business Partners to ensure accuracy and transparency.
* Support internal assurance and audit activities (including SOX), ensuring projects comply with required PMO and governance standards.
* Build strong relationships across PMO, Major Projects, Finance, Engineering, Consents & Wayleaves, Design, Suppliers, Customers and Partners to support effective collaboration.
* Use a range of systems and tools (including Excel, Power BI and reporting platforms) to analyse and interrogate data, producing clear insights that support decision‑making.
* Collaborate with PMO colleagues across other regions to share best practice, drive consistency and continuously improve programme planning and assurance.
The Ideal Candidate
* Experience in programme planning, PMO, finance or assurance, ideally within utilities, infrastructure or a regulated environment.
* Strong understanding of financial planning, forecasting and monthly financial cycles with the confidence to provide assurance and constructive challenge.
* Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to manipulate and analyse complex data sets from multiple sources to support decision‑making.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility, influence stakeholders and work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
* Natural inquisitive and detail focused, with a natural interest in getting ‘under the skin’ of plans, numbers and assumptions.
* A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the South West region as required.
* Desirable experience working on or around large‑scale capital projects (£1m+).
* Familiarity with PMO governance, audit processes and regulated frameworks.
* Knowledge of electricity distribution or the wider utilities sector.
* Experience in using Project Management tools and software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).
* A degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Operations, Economics or Business Administration is welcome but not essential – equal consideration will be given to candidates with equivalent experience.
* Subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
* 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service.
* Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%).
* Annual Share Save plan.
* Life assurance: four times annual salary.
* Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family.
* Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.
* Free on‑site parking at all our main sites.
As an equal opportunities employer committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We celebrate individual difference and actively bring in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. All applications are accepted from candidates who meet the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
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