Planning Manager

National Planning Manager

Location: London

Salary: Up to £110,000 per annum

Start Date: December 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

An established engineering and construction contractor is seeking an experienced National Planning Manager to lead and develop its planning function across the business. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with a strong background in project planning, programme management and project controls. The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and improving planning processes, developing a robust Project Management Office (PMO) function and implementing effective risk management strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the national planning function, establishing consistent processes, standards and reporting structures.
• Build and strengthen the PMO function, ensuring effective programme governance and project controls.
• Develop, manage and oversee complex project programmes using both Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6.
• Provide strategic planning support across multiple projects, ensuring programmes are realistic, achievable and aligned with business objectives.
• Establish effective risk management processes, identifying programme risks, delays and opportunities.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers and senior leadership to improve project performance.
• Monitor programme progress, critical paths, resource requirements and project milestones.
• Develop reporting systems to provide senior management with clear visibility of project performance.
• Support project teams with programme recovery strategies and mitigation measures.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning, reporting and programme delivery.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience in construction or engineering project planning, ideally within a senior management position.
• Proven experience delivering projects using both Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6.
• Strong understanding of project controls, programme management and risk management.
• Experience developing or improving planning processes, systems and functions.
• Strong understanding of PMO structures, programme governance and reporting.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior management, operational teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.

Desirable Requirements

• Degree or professional qualification in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Previous experience establishing or leading a national or regional planning function.
• Experience implementing PMO frameworks and project controls processes.
• Experience managing planning teams across multiple projects or locations.

If this is something of interest, please apply now and we will give you a call to discuss further.

We look forward to hearing from you.