Lead Planner (Aviation)

Lead Planner (Aviation)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning teams on high-profile airport projects and manage multiple schedules.
  • Company: Join CMR, an award-winning project controls consultancy with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while shaping your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in construction or business, 10+ years planning experience, and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team where your contributions truly matter.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Planner to join our dynamic award-winning team. Our client is at the forefront of one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile airport infrastructure programmes, delivering transformational investment across airfield operations, terminal facilities and commercial real estate. With strong Government support and extensive collaboration across the supply chain, the organisation is entering a pivotal phase focused on programme integration, regulatory readiness and preparation for major construction delivery.

The Lead Planner will provide strategic leadership across planning and controls, setting standards, influencing decision-making, and ensuring alignment from early development through to execution across a diverse and challenging portfolio.

About us: CMR is an award-winning project controls consultancy that is first and foremost a team of people, passionate about the construction industry and changing the way project controls is provided. Our approach and culture have been recognised globally, with CMR named Global Project Controls Small Business of the Year 2025 (Project Controls Expo UK Awards) and one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in 2026 (Great Place to Work).

Our Purpose (Why we exist): Inspiring new ways to help shape our construction industry.

Our Ambition (What we want to achieve): Re-imagine project controls through a digital lens, being the obvious choice for clients and the place to grow together with intention.

What’s in it for you? At CMR you will have the opportunity to professionally develop like nowhere you have worked before. If you demonstrate the capability, our merit-based system will enable you to develop fast. We use our in-house capability matrix to transparently track your progression and highlight development areas. Join our small, dynamic team where every member has the chance to make a significant impact, shaping the future direction of our company and making a real difference. We believe in rewarding our team for their achievements, celebrating our successes but equally helping each other when things are tough.

You’ll:

  • Lead and manage planning teams: Oversee multiple projects to achieve business outcomes, develop and maintain accurate schedules, and manage contract programme assessments.
  • Team development: Set standards, motivate, coach, and mentor staff, recognising and developing high-potential talent.
  • Schedule management: Maintain accurate schedules throughout the project life-cycle, incorporating all internal and external activities, and provide key milestones.
  • Programme schedule reporting: Report schedule information to the cost estimating database, ensuring accurate identification and classification of tender timescales and activity durations.
  • Support cost and risk management: Align cost plans with programmes, produce monthly cost forecasts, manage risk and opportunity registers, and promote world-class health, safety, and environmental standards.

Essential:

  • Degree/Post-Grad in construction or business-related field; membership of a recognised organisation like RICS.
  • Over ten years as a senior planner on large projects (over £50m); 3-5 years leading small teams; significant experience with Primavera P6.
  • Planning multiple, concurrent projects; commercial and financial awareness; understanding of NEC contracts; leadership and influencing skills.
  • Planning in live operational environments; knowledge of airport environments.
  • Strong communication skills; ability to manage ambiguity; personal resilience.

At CMR we have a strong culture driven by our 9 Core Principles. We look to build a community of people that share our values and ambitions. We’re proud that 96% of our team say CMR is a “Great Place to Work” a reflection of our supportive culture, focus on people, and drive to do things differently.

Requirements and Location:

  • Full right to work in the UK
  • 2-3 Days on Site

Salary & Benefits:

  • 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays)
  • Comprehensive Private Healthcare (Inc Dentist and Optician)
  • Life Assurance (x4 Salary)
  • Pension: employers' contribution of 4%
  • Company and personal performance-based bonus
  • Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Long Service Leave
  • Training and professional development
  • Regular social events
  • Perkbox – employee experience platform

Next Steps: To apply to our vacancy please submit a copy of your CV for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you! CMR welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. CMR is Disability Confident Committed and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

Lead Planner (Aviation) employer: Cooper Moss Rutland

At CMR, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning project controls consultancy that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on professional development and a merit-based progression system, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making a significant impact on high-profile airport infrastructure projects. Our commitment to celebrating successes and supporting each other through challenges makes CMR a truly rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Cooper Moss Rutland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Planner (Aviation)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the Lead Planner role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our award-winning team.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner (Aviation)

Strategic Leadership
Planning and Controls
Schedule Management
Team Development
Primavera P6
Commercial Awareness
Financial Awareness
NEC Contracts Understanding
Communication Skills
Risk Management
Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards
Ability to Manage Ambiguity
Personal Resilience
Experience in Live Operational Environments
Mentoring and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Planner role. Highlight your experience in managing large projects and leading teams, as these are key aspects of the job.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the construction industry and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leading planning teams, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed team members in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Moss Rutland

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project planning, especially in aviation and large-scale projects. Familiarise yourself with Primavera P6 and NEC contracts, as these are crucial for the Lead Planner role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing multiple projects. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated and developed talent in your previous roles, as this is key for the position.

Understand the Company Culture

Research CMR's core principles and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their supportive and dynamic team environment.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future projects and how they integrate digital solutions into project controls. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's ambitions.

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