At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning processes for the UK's largest construction project at Old Oak Common.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in major infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy smart working, 25 days leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible work options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that transforms rail travel in the UK.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in planning roles with experience in major construction projects.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Balfour Beatty has an exciting opportunity to join our outstanding Major Projects team to work at our Old Oak Common development in London – be part of the largest construction project in the UK. HS2's new c. 1 billion Old Oak Common station will become the UK's best-connected rail station once completed. Our Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA joint venture will be responsible for the final design, construction, and commissioning of the station in Northwest London.
Upon completion, the new station will boast six underground platforms and up to eight platforms on the adjacent Great Western Main Line. Old Oak Common will also provide high-speed rail services to the Midlands, central London, Scotland, and the North, as well as direct services to three major airports. Incorporating passenger and retail facilities, the new station will provide an exceptional customer experience for both passengers and visitors to the station.
What you’ll be doing:
- Expert in identifying planning scope, major constraints, and contract requirements alongside identifying major quantities and factors affecting the programme.
- Lead planning processes, overseeing the development of key deliverables such as programs, planning philosophy, presentations, and reports.
- Guide planners in formulating strategic programmes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Drive effective planning strategies to achieve project success.
- Offer strategic guidance throughout the contract stage, overseeing the Senior Planning Team in producing, managing, and maintaining the Contract Programme.
- Ensure meticulous alignment with planning procedures and actively contribute to the project's overall success under the leadership of the Planning/Project Lead.
- Display and evaluate the project critical path, advising the project team of the results and any appropriate corrective action alongside producing and maintaining project baselines, and execute the change control process as appropriate.
- Expertise in managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently to meet project objectives while minimizing costs and delays.
- Manage contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, monitoring performance, and resolving contract-related issues.
- Provide planning expertise to support the commercial team with compensation events, early warnings, delay analysis, and claims.
Who we’re looking for:
- 10+ years' experience in planning roles within major construction or infrastructure projects.
- Strong background in contractor-side planning on complex programmes.
- Experience managing planners and leading planning functions.
- Proven experience in construction sequencing, logistics, delay analysis, and EVM.
- Experience interfacing directly with clients on major projects.
Benefits:
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
Senior Planning Manager in London employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the UK's largest construction project, the Old Oak Common development in London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, smart working options, and comprehensive benefits including generous leave policies and a share incentive plan, we foster a culture that values flexibility and family support, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in major infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Balfour, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Planning Manager at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
