Lead Planner (Aviation) in London

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: We’re looking for:

• 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.

Location: Full right to work in the UK. 2-3 Days on Site.

Salary & Benefits: 25 days holiday (plus...