At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee planning and scheduling for major infrastructure projects in the water sector.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure contractor with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong support for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water management and environmental benefits while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme planning, preferably in water or utilities, and proficiency in planning tools.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This inside IR35 opportunity, which reports to the Capital Delivery Programme Manager, has the Planner overseeing all planning and scheduling activities within the corporate planning system, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date representation of the Capital Delivery Programme across the sites. This will include both AMP‑funded and emerging/uncommitted schemes, spanning the full asset lifecycle from strategic planning, feasibility and optioneering through to design, delivery, commissioning, benefits realisation, and handover. The Planner will ensure full alignment with the organisation’s Business Plan, Asset Management Plan (AMP), and regulatory Performance Commitments (PCs) set by Ofwat. Acting as a subject matter expert, they will support the standardisation of planning processes, provide guidance and training to delivery teams, and drive improvements in data quality to support regulatory and executive reporting. Close collaboration with Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Asset Management, and Capital Delivery teams is essential to ensure that investment drivers, outputs, and customer/environmental benefits are clearly embedded within programmes prior to transition into delivery.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop, manage and maintain integrated programme schedules within approved corporate tools (e.g. Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, PIM), ensuring alignment with corporate systems such as SAP and providing a single, transparent view of AMP delivery.
- Ensure all programmes reflect regulatory drivers, including Performance Commitments, Outcome Delivery Incentives (ODIs), and statutory obligations (e.g. DWI, EA requirements).
- Apply robust programme assurance and governance processes, providing clear visibility of deliverables, risks, opportunities, and benefits across the portfolio.
- Challenge programme assumptions and outputs to ensure alignment with strategic asset management objectives, investment priorities, and regulatory commitments.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across Capital Delivery, Asset Management, Operations, and Commercial teams, maintaining regular and proactive communication.
- Align cost forecasts across TOTEX, ensuring consistency between budget, actuals, and forecast (including Value of Work Done), with clear visibility of AMP spend and profiling.
- Support periodic reviews and gateway processes, ensuring baselines are agreed, maintained, and aligned across the organisation and AMP cycle.
- Work with Benefits, Performance, and Change teams to ensure outputs and benefits (e.g. environmental improvements, customer service levels, resilience) are tracked and reported in line with regulatory requirements.
- Provide planning expertise, coaching, and support to delivery teams, particularly in addressing compliance gaps or improving capability in programme controls.
Requirements
- Solid experience in programme planning within infrastructure, preferably within the water or utilities sector, for a tier one major infrastructure contractor.
- Strong understanding of AMP cycles, regulatory frameworks (Ofwat), and Performance Commitments/ODIs.
- Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. APM, MSP Practitioner, PRINCE2, P3O).
- Proven hands‑on experience using planning tools such as Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project within complex infrastructure programmes.
- Experience integrating planning outputs with SAP or similar enterprise systems.
- Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, driving performance to meet regulatory, commercial, and delivery deadlines.
- Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to interpret data and present clear insights to senior leadership.
PS - 1-2 days WFH is permitted
Planner Water in Reading employer: Carmichael UK
As a Planner Water, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and collaboration within a dynamic work culture. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact on environmental and customer outcomes, this role offers a rewarding career path in the water sector. The company supports flexible working arrangements, allowing for a balanced work-life integration while contributing to essential infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner Water in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the water and utilities sector, especially those who work with planning tools like Primavera P6. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring examples of your past projects. Highlight how you’ve tackled programme planning challenges and improved data quality – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our needs in the Capital Delivery Programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on regulatory frameworks like Ofwat and Performance Commitments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you’re not just a planner, but a strategic thinker ready to drive improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner Water in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planner Water role. Highlight your experience in programme planning, especially within the water or utilities sector. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed, like your familiarity with planning tools and regulatory frameworks. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially with tools like Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. If you’ve integrated planning outputs with systems like SAP, make sure to mention that too. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carmichael UK
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in the planning tools mentioned in the job description, like Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Familiarise yourself with their features and how they integrate with systems like SAP, as this will show your technical competence during the interview.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on AMP cycles and the regulatory frameworks set by Ofwat. Being able to discuss how these impact planning and delivery will demonstrate your industry knowledge and show that you can align with the organisation’s objectives.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Be ready to share how you built relationships and communicated effectively, as this role requires strong collaboration across various teams.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills led to improved project outcomes or compliance with regulatory requirements, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
