Planning Manager

Role Overview

The Planning & Programme Manager will be responsible for establishing and maintaining planning standards, coding protocols, reporting schedules, and governance across multiple projects. This role involves reviewing various project stages including tender, baseline, procurement, design, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and handover programmes. The manager will critically evaluate logic, sequencing, resource allocation, critical paths, and schedule risks to ensure efficient project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and standardize planning practices and governance frameworks throughout projects.
• Analyze and review schedules covering all phases from tendering to handover.
• Challenge assumptions related to project logic, task sequences, resource planning, critical paths, and risks associated with schedules.
• Provide oversight at the portfolio level concerning milestones, constraints, interface points, and prioritize recovery actions.
• Assist project teams with progress tracking, forecasting, planning ahead, and implementing change controls.
• Lead programme review sessions and clearly communicate findings to senior executives, clients, and other involved parties.
• Develop and support recovery and acceleration plans, including delay analysis when necessary.
• Mentor planners and project staff to enhance ownership of programmes and improve data accuracy.
• Integrate planning activities with commercial, procurement, design, BIM, fabrication, and operational reports.
• Gather benchmarking data and lessons learned to improve future tender submissions and delivery strategies.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Extensive experience in planning and project controls within construction, MEP, or specialized engineering environments.
• Proficient in Primavera P6 or comparable advanced project management software.
• In-depth knowledge of sequencing in design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and handover processes.
• Competent in analyzing complex programmes and conveying detailed information into concise reports for executive leadership.
• Proven track record in leading planning reviews, formulating recovery strategies, and facilitating stakeholder discussions.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.

Preferred Additional Experience

• Degree qualification in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
• Background in project portfolios related to data centers, pharmaceutical industries, manufacturing, or international projects.