At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning activities for a major £280m highways project, ensuring robust programme delivery.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor with a strong reputation in civil engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to influence high-value projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with mentorship opportunities and collaboration with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a complex project and make a real impact in the highways sector.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major highways projects and strong programme governance skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are working with a leading Tier 1 contractor delivering a £280m major highways junction improvement scheme and are looking to appoint an experienced Lead Planner / Planning Manager. This is a key role reporting directly to the Project Director, offering full ownership of programme strategy, governance and delivery across a complex, multi-disciplinary civil engineering project.
You will be responsible for leading all planning activities across the scheme, ensuring the programme is robust, compliant and aligned to delivery on site. Key responsibilities include:
- Ownership of the contract and target cost programme
- Managing and maintaining the baseline programme, including change and re-baselining
- Leading programme governance throughout design and construction phases
- Managing compensation events and change management processes
- Producing and presenting programme updates and reports to senior stakeholders
- Ensuring alignment between the programme and site delivery across:
- Earthworks
- Drainage
- Structures and roadworks
- Utilities and traffic management
- Working closely with delivery teams to ensure the programme is realistic and deliverable
- Leading and mentoring planning resource on the project
You will be an experienced planner operating at Lead Planner / Planning Manager level, with a strong background in major highways projects. You will have:
- Proven experience on major highways schemes (junction improvements, smart motorways, major road upgrades)
- Civil engineering background with previous delivery experience on highways projects advantageous
- Strong experience in programme governance, including target cost and contract programmes
- Solid understanding of NEC3 / NEC4 contracts
- Strong track record managing compensation events and change management
- Ability to build programmes from first principles
- Experience working closely with delivery and senior project teams
- Expert user of Primavera P6
- Experience with Asta Powerproject, Aphex or Apex tools advantageous
- Experience with time-location / TILOS / time chainage planning beneficial
If you are an experienced planner looking to take ownership of programme delivery on a high-value £280m highways scheme, this is an excellent opportunity to step into a lead role with real influence at project level.
Lead Planner – Highways in Manchester employer: Carmichael UK
As a leading Tier 1 contractor, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects. With a focus on professional development, we offer extensive training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our team members grow alongside the ambitious projects they manage. Located in a vibrant area, our company not only provides competitive benefits but also promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in civil engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner – Highways in Manchester
✨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 Carmichael UK, 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 Lead Planner – Highways at Carmichael UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner – Highways in Manchester
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 Carmichael UK
✨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!
