Programme Planning Manager

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.