Global Planning Manager in London

About the Role

The Global Planning Manager is a newly created leadership role established following a review of the Capital Projects organization. It addresses a critical gap in global capability for project planning and provides subject‑matter expertise across Alcoa’s entire capital portfolio. This position defines what “good” looks like for planning deliverables across the full project lifecycle and ensures planning practices, standards, and assurance processes deliver safe, predictable, and value‑optimized outcomes globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide global leadership in planning principles, methodologies, processes, and best practices across the capital project lifecycle.
• Define and govern planning deliverables and lifecycle requirements, scaled appropriately to project size, complexity, risk, and strategic importance.
• Establish and own a planning tier hierarchy and review modalities (Independent Assurance, Formal Peer Review, Peer Support).
• Define an Order‑of‑Magnitude (OoM) methodology using parametric/analogous approaches and capacity factors for early portfolio screening, with explicit uncertainty ranges and location factors, designed to reduce schedule shock as project development through Front End Loading (FEL) occurs.
• Define global scheduling KPIs aligned to industry benchmarks (e.g., DCMA‑14).
• Build and maintain an internal and external benchmark database covering major scope elements, productivity, construction methodologies, and planned vs. out‑turn performance.
• Develop and maintain a defensible weather allowance modelling approach for weather‑impacted activities.
• Define and own a global Planning WBS aligned to Cost Breakdown Structures and ERP systems, enabling seamless tracking from concept through delivery and closeout.
• Define and own the planning competency framework within the broader Capital Projects capability model.
• Lead upskilling and capability development programs to raise planning maturity across regions.
• Establish and lead a global Planning Community of Practice, supported by regional guilds as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or related discipline (required). Post‑graduate qualification in Business or Project Management (desirable).
• 15+ years’ experience in project planning, with at least 5 years as a Lead Planner on large, complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience across the full EPC lifecycle, from concept and FEL through construction and startup.
• Experience in alumina refining, mining, smelting, or similar heavy industrial environments is highly advantageous.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all organizational levels.
• Proven leadership capability, able to align teams and inspire high performance across a global organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with confidence to challenge appropriately and drive continuous improvement.
• High energy, detail‑oriented, and disciplined in approach, with a strong focus on quality and predictability.
• Ability to work systematically in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments while maintaining clarity and efficiency.

Benefits and Opportunities

This is a rare opportunity to shape global project strategy for a leading industrial organization committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the mandate and influence to set standards, develop future‑ready technology, and build long‑term planning capability across a global footprint.

Location

Alcoa is an international company with multiple locations and joint ventures across six continents. You will join a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Alcoa is a proud equal‑opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability or other special needs and require accommodation to obtain meaningful information about this position, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email.