Operations Director – Planning

Overview

In this Planning Lead role, you drive the delivery of integrated planning across multiple projects within the Gatwick NPR programme. You lead planning teams, align schedules with NPR objectives, and ensure governance, risk, cost and change control are respected. You will shape long-term delivery strategy, mentor teams, and foster cross-functional collaboration with clients and supply chain. This is a high-impact role at Gatwick Airport, combining leadership, strategic planning and a focus on sustainable outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• 4 days per week on-site at Gatwick
• flexible and hybrid working options
• on-site work with part-time discussions possible
• opportunity to work on a landmark aviation infrastructure programme
• inclusive employer committed to wellbeing
• career development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Manage planning delivery across defined teams and supply chain, ensuring alignment with NPR objectives
• Provide integrated schedule accountability and continuous performance improvement
• Develop high-performing, inclusive teams through mentoring and knowledge-sharing
• Oversee Mace’s business and long-term planning performance
• Deliver expert planning advice for complex, multi-sector projects
• Champion the planning service with clients and industry to influence outcomes
• Drive talent growth and net zero delivery aligned to NPR and Mace objectives

Key requirements

• Significant integrated planning leadership experience on large, complex or landmark aviation infrastructure/construction programmes
• Expert knowledge of planning systems, schedule management tools and integrated project controls
• Strong leadership, commercial acumen and capability to manage large, multi‑disciplinary teams across locations
• Degree or equivalent professional experience in construction/infrastructure, project, programme or commercial management

• Leadership
• Client-facing / stakeholder management
• Mentoring and talent development
• Planning systems
• Schedule management tools
• Integrated project controls

…