Head of Planning

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Jim Newsom

Managing Director
jn@newsomconsulting.co.uk

Head of Planning

Sector: Civil Engineering & Construction

Salary: Competitive

Location: South East England

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A major contractor is seeking a Head of Planning, providing functional leadership to a substantial planning team across multiple divisions, spanning pre-construction and project delivery.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will set the strategic direction of the planning function and ensure a consistent, high-quality service from pre-tender through to project completion and handover, for a major UK civil engineering and building contractor operating across many market sectors.

The role will establish common planning standards, review and challenge programmes, and audit project planning performance. It will provide clear reporting to the senior management team, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to support timely decisions and corrective action.

The successful individual will lead recruitment, resource allocation, training and development across the planning team. They will oversee tender planning, ensure programmes meet contractual requirements, and strengthen the management of change, recovery planning and programme information supporting claims. They will also drive improvements in planning processes and the use of digital tools.

This is an opportunity for an experienced planning leader to shape a business-wide function and operate at an enterprise level in a major contractor, develop its people and strengthen the role of planning in successful project delivery.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Establish consistent reporting, planning standards and best practice across divisions, from pre-tender through to completion and handover.
  • Independently review and challenge programmes, conduct planning audits and report project performance, risks and corrective actions directly to the Managing Director.
  • Lead resource planning and recruitment, and establish structured training, mentoring and development programmes for the planning team.
  • Oversee tender planning, including programme development, resource provision and support for bids and tender interviews.
  • Ensure project programmes meet contractual requirements, with effective progress reporting, change management, recovery planning and support for claims.
  • Drive continuous improvement and digital planning, including governance of the Primavera P6 database and alignment with design and BIM requirements.

Key Skills & Experience:

  • Senior planning experience within a contracting business, ideally spanning civil engineering and building projects. Candidates with either civil engineering contracting or building contracting backgrounds will also be considered, providing they have an interest in broadening their experience.
  • Formal, structured training in planning, with a thorough grounding in programme development, construction sequencing and progress assessment.
  • A track record of managing, mentoring and developing planning teams.
  • Proficiency in Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject, including expertise in P6 resource and cost loading and earned value analysis.
  • Familiarity with SCL protocols and NEC contracts, supported by formal training in contract conditions. Knowledge of JCT and FIDIC contracts is also relevant.
  • Strong communication, commercial awareness and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge programmes and advise senior leaders.
  • An engineering degree or similar qualification is preferred.

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