Planning Manager

Job Title - Planning Manager

Projects - Overhead Lines (Power T&D)

Location - London

Salary - up to £85,000 plus car allowance, bonus, healthcare, pension

Hybrid Work - 3 days on site / 2 days at home

The role

Join a team shaping the future of Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) as a Planning Manager, where you will play a strategic leadership role in the successful delivery of high-profile Overhead Line (OHL) projects. This role blends tactical programme control with forward-thinking project planning, mentorship, and business development.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Project Planning

• Define planning scope, identify constraints and contract-specific requirements.
• Lead collaborative development of logical sequencing and construction methodology during the tender stage.
• Devise and oversee efficient programme structures that align with business goals.

1. Tender & Contract Planning

• Oversee the creation of Tender Programmes including planning philosophy, reports, and presentations.
• Guide the development and maintenance of the Contract Programme during execution.
• Ensure alignment with planning processes and support project success with insights from baseline comparisons and critical path analyses.

1. Delay & Change Management

• Identify, display, and analyze the project's critical path.
• Monitor and manage baseline programme deviations and execute the change control process.
• Conduct delay analysis, highlighting impacts and recommending corrective actions.

1. Resource & Contract Management

• Optimize resource allocation (labour, materials, equipment) for project cost-efficiency.
• Administer subcontractor/supplier contracts, manage relationships and address performance issues.

1. Data-Driven Insights

• Support the planning team in generating KPIs and dashboards.
• Leverage project data for forecasting, deviation analysis, and continuous improvement.

1. Training, Mentorship & Team Leadership

• Mentor junior planners and staff to build a capable, high-performing planning team.
• Provide thought leadership and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution abilities.
• Proficient in data-driven decision-making and analytical reasoning.
• Natural mentor and team builder.

Knowledge Base

• Expertise in Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel.
• Deep understanding of NEC contract frameworks.
• Advanced skills in planning methodologies and project scheduling.
• Knowledge of risk tools and methodologies (TRA, QSRA).
• Financial planning acumen including Earned Value Management (EVM).

Experience

• Proven success planning complex OHL or large-scale construction projects.
• History of leading planning teams across full project lifecycles.
• Experience managing key stakeholders (clients, subcontractors, suppliers).

Why This Role Matters

This is a high-impact role positioned at the strategic centre of mission-critical infrastructure projects. You will not only influence the planning outcomes of current projects but will also help define planning best practices and contribute to future business success.