Planning Lead - Aviation

About the company

At Mace Construct, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We are innovators, trusted partners, construction experts. Founded on a belief that the built environment sector could be more efficient, innovative and responsible. We’ve built a reputation and track record for delivering projects better than ever before\: safer, faster and greener. Transforming industries, supporting communities and leaving legacies.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Planning Lead to lead the Aviation Planning function within Mace Construct's Infrastructure Business Unit. In this strategic leadership role, you will manage a team of approximately 25 planners delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across the Heathrow Airport Framework, including direct commissions for airline clients, alongside a growing portfolio of works at Gatwick Airport. This position requires proven experience of leading large, high-performing planning teams, coupled with a strong understanding of the aviation sector and its unique operational and programme challenges.

What you’ll be doing

·         Holds full accountability for the long-term success of Planning performance of all service delivery for aviation projects and the overall contribution to the broader company goals.

·         Provides expert advice and support to all projects within the aviation portfolio and additional support to other areas as/when required.

·         Maintains, cultivates and establishes a strong collaborative network, developing partnerships with key senior internal and external stakeholders.

·         Influences on complex requirements and communicates analysis and corrective measures effectively.

·         Leads teams of professionals providing planning & schedule management on large projects and can provide technical expertise and guidance as required.

·         Leads the implementation of a systematic performance improvement cycle to continually improve the quality of planning & reporting. 

·         Champions the business in dealings with clients and the wider industry. 

·         Is a recognised expert in planning, with a strong internal and external network (e.g. clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders).

·         Drives self and others to focus on bottom line outcomes in line with the Business' overall strategy; and without compromising safety. 

·         Aligns deliverables to the organisational strategy and leads by making the complex simple in pursuit of clear deliverables. 

·         Reviews and recognises team performance considering both what and how the goals have been achieved. 

·         Proactively identifies talent, leads recruitment, and manages the development, retention and mobility of people, supporting individuals to achieve their highest potential. 

·         Promotes and gains organisational support and commitment within the business, ensuring the achievement of strategic priorities.

·         Understands the organisational strategy and focuses on the critical elements of paramount importance. 

·         Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and shared responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

What you’ll bring

·         Extensive experience in planning leadership within aviation, or other large scale infrastructure environments such as rail or nuclear.

·         Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop large planning teams.

·         Strong knowledge and practical experience of Primavera P6 and Oracle Primavera Cloud administration.

·         Experience in project controls, performance reporting, and programme assurance.

·         A successful track record in tender planning and bid support.

·         A strong working knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts.

Nice to have

·         Chartered/registered member of a relevant institution Accreditation from recognised industry body (e.g. APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA) (or equivalent).

·         Relevant CSCS Card

·         Other relevant qualifications specific to local requirements.

·         Utilises personal and industry network competencies to promote, support and drive best practice - Construction to Production, Digital & Data and low carbon innovations. 

You can find more information about our culture, values, and how we reward our people here.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.