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- Tasks: Lead a team of planners on a major Defence programme, ensuring successful project delivery.
- Company: Leading UK construction and infrastructure organisation with a focus on defence projects.
- Benefits: Up to £125,000 salary, annual bonus, executive benefits, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value defence projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior planning roles and expertise in complex construction or defence programmes.
- Other info: Secure workload with clear progression opportunities in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 125000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to £125,000 + Annual Bonus & Executive Benefits Package
The Opportunity
Our client, a leading UK construction and infrastructure organisation, is seeking an experienced Senior Project Planning Manager to lead the planning function on a major Defence programme in the Midlands. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for managing, mentoring, and developing a team of 8 planners, while playing a pivotal role in the successful delivery of a £237 million Army infrastructure programme. The role offers a unique opportunity to work on secure, long-term defence projects with high levels of complexity, governance, and stakeholder engagement, supported by an excellent salary, bonus, and benefits package.
The Programme
The Senior Project Planning Manager and their team will be responsible for planning and programme leadership across a portfolio of new-build and refurbishment defence facilities, including:
- Modern living, working, training, and storage accommodation
- Specialist military facilities supporting operational and ceremonial functions
- Delivery of sustainable infrastructure within live operational environments
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of 8 planners across multiple defence sites
- Set and implement the planning strategy, standards, and governance for the programme
- Oversee development and maintenance of master programmes, phase plans, and short-term schedules
- Ensure accurate progress monitoring, forecasting, and reporting to senior leadership and the client
- Manage programme interfaces, constraints, and dependencies within live defence environments
- Provide senior input into risk, mitigation, change control, and recovery planning
- Support entitlement discussions with robust, evidence-based programme information
- Drive consistent and effective use of Primavera P6 and industry best-practice planning methodologies
About You
- Proven experience in a Senior Planning Manager / Head of Planning / Planning Lead role
- Background in complex construction, infrastructure, or defence-related programmes
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary planning teams
- Expert knowledge of Primavera P6
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and clients
- Calm, structured, and commercially aware, with a collaborative leadership style
What’s On Offer
- Salary up to £125,000, depending on experience
- Attractive annual bonus scheme
- Executive benefits package, including pension, private medical, and car allowance
- Hybrid working with a Birmingham base
- Long-term, secure workload within the defence sector
- Opportunity to lead planning on a high-value, nationally significant programme
- Clear progression into programme or senior operational leadership roles
Senior Project Planning Manager in Birmingham employer: Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Planning Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about their work in defence and infrastructure. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and project management. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Let’s get you that Senior Project Planning Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Planning Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading planning teams and managing complex projects, especially in defence or infrastructure. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your past successes in project planning and how you can contribute to our exciting Defence programme.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team of planners, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any mentoring experiences. We love to see how you've developed others in your previous roles, so don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of project planning, especially within the defence sector. Brush up on your knowledge of Primavera P6 and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Planning Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in mentoring and developing planners. Think about times when you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders or navigated challenges with your team.
✨Understand the Programme's Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific defence programme you’ll be working on. Research the organisation’s previous projects and understand the complexities involved. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think through potential scenarios related to project delays or stakeholder disagreements, and prepare structured responses that showcase your calm and collaborative approach.
