Description
Purpose As Planning Manager, you will oversee the planning and scheduling activities for large-scale engineering and construction projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and project objectives.
Leading a team of Planners, you will be responsible for the successful planning, execution, and completion of modular engineering, fabrication, and construction projects, specialising in oil & gas, nuclear, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors.
You will work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, procurement, clients and other stakeholders, to create and maintain accurate project schedules, mitigate risks, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget, with a focus on continuous improvement, consistency of approach and best practice.
The Planning Manager will have a construction bias, and site-based knowledge, as well as being an experienced people manager.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Main Accountabilities & Competencies
Leadership & Team Management:
• Lead and manage a team of Planners, ensuring timely and accurate schedule updates, resource loading, and project reporting.
• Provide mentoring, support, and development opportunities for the planning team, ensuring consistency and quality in their output.
• Monitor the team’s performance and allocate resources appropriately to meet project needs.
Project Planning & Scheduling:
• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed project schedules using Primavera P6, ensuring that the planning process is aligned with project scope and deliverables.
• Oversee the creation and management of work breakdown structures (WBS) for projects, ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Ensure that project schedules are accurate and reflect realistic timelines, including engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction phases.
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration:
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project objectives and translate them into detailed plans.
• Engage with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams to report on progress, update schedules, and provide critical insights into project timelines and risks.
• Chair planning meetings, providing clear and concise schedule updates to senior management and clients.
Risk & Performance Management:
• Conduct regular schedule reviews to identify potential risks, delays, or inefficiencies.
• Develop mitigation strategies and recommend corrective actions.
• Implement performance tracking systems to monitor progress against key milestones and project objectives.
• Ensure robust reporting systems are in place for Earned Value Management (EVM) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Compliance & Best Practices:
• Ensure all planning and scheduling activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and relevant statutory requirements.
• Promote the use of planning best practices and continuous improvement methodologies to optimise project delivery and outcomes.
Change & Resource Management:
• Support the management of changes to scope, schedule, and resources, ensuring changes are properly captured, approved, and integrated into project schedules.
• Develop resource-loaded schedules, ensuring availability of manpower, materials, and equipment to meet project milestones.
Key Indicators/Requirements
• Achievement of Key Performance Indicators and Service Level Agreements, as set by your line manager from time-to-time.
• Satisfied clients, both internal and/or external.
• Timely completion of work.
• Quality of work.
• Adherence to relevant processes, procedures, and Policies.
• Professionalism.
• Integrity.
• Trust.
• Team Spirit.
Commercial & Risk
• Inform project manager / line manager of potential risks identified in a timely manner.
• Work within allocated CTR or allocated hours where applicable.
• Demonstrate clear understating of relevant commercial and budgetary landscape.
• Work to agreed plans, using initiative to identify improvements/savings.
• Function as an ambassador for the Company, always presenting the right image to existing and potential clients.
• To attend meetings and forums, representing the Company.
• Forge links and establish communication with relevant colleagues and other stakeholders.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
• Inform line/project manager of potential project risks identified in a timely manner.
• Working within the Company’s ISO9001:2008 quality systems.
• Responsible for own safety at work.
• Consideration to be given to others in working environment.
• Adhere to Company and client health and safety procedures.
• Comply with – and work to - relevant procedures, policies, processes, and standards, to meet the required level of quality in all outputs.
• Zero non-conformances to all Company, client, and project specific quality and safety plans.
• Adherence to PPE requirements, where applicable.
Technical Requirements
• Keep up to date with latest industry and functional standards, technology, and norms.
• Be familiar with all relevant systems.
• A good understanding of the availability and use of all relevant electronic tools and software.
• Full awareness and understanding of relevant legislation and standards, and their practical application.
• Awareness and understanding of all relevant Company Policies, processes, and procedures.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Qualifications:
• Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field (e.g., Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering).
• A recognised project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, APM) is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and experience with other planning tools.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites when required.
Experience:
• Extensive experience in project planning and scheduling within the engineering construction industry.
• Strong background in modular engineering, fabrication, and construction within sectors such as oil & gas, nuclear, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries preferred.
• Proven experience in leading a team of Planners, and managing complex project schedules.
• Experience with resource management, critical path analysis, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• A track record of delivering projects on time and within budget in high-pressure environments.
Skills:
• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6, with the ability to create and maintain complex project schedules, WBS, and resource-loaded plans.
• Leadership & Management: Strong team leadership, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage a team of Planners. Capable of fostering a collaborative environment.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present data and reports to a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and senior management.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate issues, manage risks, and implement effective solutions.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in relation to schedule data, risk analysis, and reporting.
Personal Attributes:
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a can-do attitude.
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
These roles and responsibilities are issued as a guideline to help you understand the duties you are expected to undertake as part of your role. They may be subject to change from time-to-time to meet business needs, and you may be required to carry-out additional duties that are reasonably consistent with your skills and status.
