Lead Planning Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead the planning and scheduling function for a major mobility infrastructure programme in London and the south of England, ensuring robust project controls and timely delivery. You will shape planning standards, baselines and schedules, monitor progress, and drive recovery actions. You’ll provide input into bids, forecasts, and resource planning while mentoring a team of planners. The role blends client liaison with cross‑functional collaboration to deliver sustainable mobility projects and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to impact large-scale infrastructure and adopt digital planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and scheduling team on a complex major infrastructure programme with robust controls
• Develop planning processes and standards to meet client requirements
• Maintain baseline plans, WBS, and schedules aligned with delivery objectives
• Monitor progress, manage variances, and implement recovery/contingency plans
• Contribute to bids, estimates, and resource planning
• Report earned value, progress and performance for financial forecasting
• Analyse project data to identify trends, risks and anomalies
• Ensure compliance with planning standards and lifecycle frameworks
• Audit contractor plans and monitor adherence to Network Rail procedures
• Mentor planners and promote skills development
• Collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver value
• Drive continuous improvement and adoption of digital planning tools

Key requirements

• 10+ years in project planning and scheduling, preferably in major aviation or infrastructure programmes
• Degree in Engineering (or related field)
• Strong understanding of UK mobility sector and delivery requirements
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and MS Project
• Excellent organisational, commercial, and communication skills
• Experience with project controls, cost engineering, and financial operations
• Familiarity with different contracting environments and commercial models

• leadership
• communication
• collaboration
• Primavera P6
• MS Project
• project controls

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