At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Programme Planning team and shape strategic direction for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join CMR, an award-winning project controls consultancy with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability-led projects in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in planning/scheduling with advanced Primavera P6 skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced Programme Planning Manager to join our dynamic award-winning team. Our client is delivering a highly ambitious airport infrastructure investment programme, encompassing major airfield upgrades, terminal enhancements and large-scale infrastructure development. As part of this growth, the organisation is strengthening its planning capability and is seeking a Programme Planning Manager to play a key role in shaping programme controls, driving consistency, and supporting delivery of a complex, multi-stakeholder portfolio of sustainability-led projects.
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 the Programme Planning team and set strategic direction for Planning within your programme.
- Support the Head of Planning with developing functional capability.
- Perform pre-Governance Schedule Assurance of your own and other Programme's Project Schedules.
- Develop and maintain the integrated P6 schedule for the Sustainability programme, working closely with workstream leads.
- Coordinate the monthly schedule update cycle.
- Maintain the P6 Database.
- Track progress, identify schedule risks and opportunities, and support mitigation planning.
- Conduct NEC contract programme reviews, including Compensation Event assessment and delay analysis.
- Produce progress reporting for programme leadership, incorporating EVM/Planned vs Actual analysis where required.
- Coordinate with Cost, Risk and Change Control functions to keep schedule, cost and risk aligned.
- Support governance/tollgate submissions and reporting to the Sustainability programme board.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of planning processes across the sustainability workstreams.
- Engage and support the leadership of the programme as part of the Sustainability Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
We’re looking for:
- Essential:
- Minimum 10+ years' planning/scheduling experience on major infrastructure or construction programmes.
- Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 – schedule development, maintenance and critical path analysis.
- Experience managing and assessing NEC contract programmes (NEC3/NEC4), including Compensation Events and delay analysis.
- Good understanding of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) works and sequencing.
- Strong reporting skills (Excel/PowerPoint) – able to produce clear progress and trend reports for senior stakeholders.
- Able to work onsite at Gatwick a minimum of 3 days per week.
- Eligible to obtain UK airside security clearance.
- Desirable:
- Experience within an airport, aviation or other highly regulated infrastructure environment.
- Exposure to sustainability, decarbonisation or net-zero infrastructure programmes.
- Earned Value Management (EVM) experience – Planned vs Actual reporting.
- Schedule assurance/quality review experience (e.g. DCMA-14 checks).
- Experience supporting PMO governance, planning standards and training materials.
- Experience integrating multiple workstream schedules into a single programme-level view.
- Experience performing or inputting into Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA).
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.
- 3 Days on Site at Gatwick Airport (Tue/Wed/Thur).
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.
Programme Planning Manager employer: Cooper Moss Rutland
At Cooper Moss Rutland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a BI Developer in Bristol, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects, supported by experienced professionals in a flexible environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. With ongoing mentoring and exposure to industry-leading practices, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing their technical skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Planning Manager
✨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 Cooper Moss Rutland, 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 Programme Planning Manager at Cooper Moss Rutland.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Planning Manager
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 Cooper Moss Rutland
✨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!
