Planning Manager (Major Life Sciences & Laboratory Project) £85,000 - £100,000 + Car Allowance & Package (DOE) Oxford Permanent, Full-Time The Opportunity Are you an experienced Planning Manager looking to lead programme delivery on one of Oxford’s most prestigious, globally backed science and technology campuses? We are recruiting on behalf of a premier, family-owned Tier-1 UK building and civil engineering contractor with a heritage spanning over 150 years. Renowned for delivering some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and complex infrastructure, our client is looking for a strategic Planning Manager to join their project team in Oxford. You will take the lead on a fast-paced, high-specification £8 million laboratory project forming part of a flagship, multi-phase research and innovation campus, giving you immediate, hands-on ownership of a technically demanding lab build alongside a substantial long-term pipeline of campus works. Unlike PLC-driven main contractors, this business has remained proudly family-owned and independent for generations. That independence translates directly into how they operate: * Long-Term Vision: Decisions are made for the good of the project, the client, and the people—not just the next quarterly shareholder report. * Technical Pedigree: They are trusted with high-profile, complex schemes across science, healthcare, commercial, and heritage sectors where engineering excellence and collaborative delivery are paramount. * People-First Culture: Known across the industry for low staff turnover and a genuinely supportive, inclusive environment, they invest heavily in digital innovation, agile working, and long-term career progression. The Role As Planning Manager, you will be embedded within the project team in Oxford, taking ownership of the master programme, driving project controls, and providing clear strategic direction to internal teams, supply chain partners, and the client. Key Responsibilities: * Programme Management: Develop, maintain, and manage all programmes and production control deliverables from pre-construction through to handover on a fast-track, high-spec laboratory scheme. * Detailed Planning Outputs: Produce comprehensive phasing diagrams, site logistics plans, S-curves, resource histograms, and plant schedules tailored to complex MEP and cleanroom/laboratory environments. * Project Controls & Assurance: Implement rigorous forecasting, early warning systems, and KPI tracking. Challenge and validate plans to ensure alignment with project, campus, and regional targets. * Digital & 4D Innovation: Champion modern planning methodologies, integrating 4D sequencing and digital construction tools to de-risk live campus interfaces. * Stakeholder & Supply Chain Engagement: Clearly articulate the planning roadmap and critical path to senior leadership, client representatives, and specialist subcontractors. * Team Leadership & Bid Support: Mentor and develop junior planners on-site, while supporting wider campus frameworks and regional pre-contract tender strategies. About You We are looking for a pragmatic, first-principles planner who thrives on technically complex builds, tight interfaces, and collaborative problem-solving. Essential Experience & Skills: * Proven track record as a Planning Manager or Senior Planner on complex, high-specification construction projects (experience in life sciences, laboratories, cleanrooms, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or intricate MEP fit-outs is highly advantageous). * Solid understanding of construction methodologies, commissioning sequences, and planning from first principles. * Advanced proficiency in Asta Powerproject. * Strong working knowledge of NEC forms of contract (managing compensation events, early warnings, and programme acceptances). * Natural leadership ability with experience coaching and developing less experienced planners. Rewards & Benefits Attracting the best planners in the market requires a package that genuinely supports both your financial goals and your life outside of work. * Alongside a base salary of £85,000 - £100,000 (DOE), you will receive: * Car & Travel: Generous annual car allowance or company car/EV scheme. * Financial & Future: Discretionary annual bonus, competitive matched pension scheme, and life assurance. * Industry-Leading Family Leave: 26 weeks' paid gender-neutral parental leave for all new parents, plus dedicated paid carer leave. * Time Off & Flexibility: Enhanced annual leave with a holiday purchase option, access to a unique Sabbatical Bank (allowing you to accrue time for extended paid leave), and agile working supported from day one. * Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, additional healthcare support, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. * Career Progression: Structured, performance-related development within a stable, financially strong, family-owned business
Planning Manager in Oxford employer: BMSL Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team at one of the UK's leading civil engineering contractors, where your role as Design Manager will be pivotal in shaping major infrastructure projects across Wales. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, this company offers a unique opportunity to influence significant projects while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including a car allowance. Embrace the chance to grow within a thriving business that values technical excellence and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Oxford
✨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 BMSL Group Ltd, 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 Planning Manager at BMSL Group Ltd.
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 BMSL Group Ltd
✨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!
