As an Integrated Planning and Dependency Manager, you will play a key role within the Digital Transformation programme at Thames Water, supporting programme leadership in delivering integrated planning and dependency management across major transformation initiatives.
Working closely with programme directors, PMO leadership, project teams, and business stakeholders, you will help ensure that programme activities are aligned, dependencies are managed effectively, and delivery plans are coordinated across multiple projects and workstreams.
This role contributes to the successful delivery of transformation programmes by establishing and maintaining an integrated planning framework that supports accurate forecasting, proactive risk management, and clear visibility of delivery progress. You will collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure planning activities are coordinated efficiently while maintaining high standards of governance and reporting.
2 Year Fixed Term Contract
What you’ll be doing as an Integrated Planning and Dependency Manager
* Develop and maintain the master integrated schedule across programmes and projects to support coordinated delivery.
* Identify, monitor, and manage cross-functional dependencies across workstreams, programmes, and operational activities.
* Facilitate planning workshops and regular dependency reviews with programme stakeholders.
* Maintain programme plans and associated governance artefacts to support programme oversight.
* Break down strategic programme scope into logical sequences of programmes, projects, and delivery activities.
* Manage key interfaces and dependencies across projects during programme delivery.
* Track and report progress against baseline schedules and ensure accurate integrated forecasting.
* Support proactive risk identification by highlighting planning risks, delays, and delivery constraints.
* Work closely with programme and project teams to ensure alignment between delivery schedules and strategic objectives.
* Provide visibility of programme delivery timelines to support effective decision-making by senior stakeholders.
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and methodologies.
Base location – Hybrid – Clearwater Court, Reading.
Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday.
What you should bring to the role
* Proven experience in programme planning and dependency management within complex programmes or transformation initiatives.
* Experience working in fast-paced, multi-project environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to coordinate planning activities across teams.
* Understanding of programme governance frameworks and performance measurement approaches.
* Ability to manage planning activities independently while contributing to wider programme delivery objectives.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present planning insights to senior stakeholders.
* Good organisational and coordination skills with strong attention to detail.
Technical experience and skills
* Strong knowledge of programme planning tools such as Microsoft Project or equivalent planning platforms.
* Strong Microsoft Excel skills for planning analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
* Ability to develop and maintain integrated schedules across multiple programmes and projects.
* Experience monitoring delivery against baseline schedules and supporting integrated forecasting.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve planning conflicts and delivery constraints.
Desirable qualifications and experience
* Experience working with Agile delivery frameworks within large or complex organisations.
* Familiarity with Earned Value Analysis and critical path management techniques.
* Broader PMO experience supporting programme governance and delivery oversight.
Desirable technical skills and qualifications
* Agile Project Management or Scrum certification.
* Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, APM, or equivalent programme or project management qualifications.
What’s in it for you?
* Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
* Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
* Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
* Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
* Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)
Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Learn more about our purpose and values
Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.
We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.