At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for a major renewable energy substation project in Suffolk.
- Company: Join a pioneering company driving Britain's Net Zero journey through innovative infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship project that makes a real impact on the environment and community.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience; strong background in large-scale civil engineering projects.
- Other info: Construction starts next spring, with completion aimed for December 2027.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Manager to take a leading role in the delivery of a major new substation in Suffolk, supporting a flagship renewable energy project in the Southern North Sea. This project is central to Britain’s journey toward Net Zero by connecting a significant offshore wind farm to the National Grid.
In addition to the substation, there is a focus on vital civil engineering works, including the construction and enhancement of surrounding highways and connecting roads, enabling long-term access and supporting both construction and operational phases of the project.
The Role:
Reporting to the Project Director, the Planning Manager will be a key member of the leadership team, actively shaping and driving the delivery strategy — not just reporting on progress. You will be expected to interrogate project data, challenge assumptions, and take ownership of programme outcomes.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading planning processes for significant earthworks, highway and access road construction, new infrastructure, reinforced concrete structures, and steel-framed superstructures.
- Ensuring highway interfaces and upgrades are planned effectively in collaboration with local authorities and transport stakeholders.
- Embedding health, safety, and environmental requirements into the programme, including documentation, sequencing, approvals, and competency checks.
- Developing detailed, phased construction stage plans that support safe, efficient, and coordinated delivery.
- Proactively identifying programme risks and opportunities, contributing to the risk register, and building robust allowances into plans.
- Working closely with estimating and temporary works teams to plan access strategies, logistics, and phasing of works.
- Challenging and validating subcontractor and supplier schedules and methodologies.
- Supporting the wider team in driving progress, not just flagging delays—ensuring early identification of issues and helping resolve them before they impact delivery.
About You:
You will bring a proactive, hands-on approach and a strong track record of working collaboratively across disciplines to keep complex programmes on course. We’re looking for someone with:
- A degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
- Substantial experience in planning large-scale civil engineering or infrastructure projects, ideally with exposure to highway works and utility interfaces.
- A sharp eye for detail, with the ability to interrogate programme data, spot emerging trends, and offer practical solutions.
- Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6, CAD, PowerPoint, and 4Projects.
- Membership of a relevant professional body such as ICE or APM (desirable).
Project Timeline:
The project is currently in the design and environmental consent phase. Construction is expected to commence in spring next year, with overall completion targeted for December 2027.
If you're ready to lead rather than just monitor, and want to be at the heart of one of the UK’s most important green infrastructure projects, we would love to hear from you.
Planning Manager employer: Cy Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Cy Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific renewable energy projects in the Southern North Sea. Understanding the local context and challenges can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors, especially those involved in highway works and utility interfaces. Building connections can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your skills with planning tools like Primavera P6 and CAD. Being proficient in these tools will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you've proactively identified risks and opportunities in past projects. Having concrete examples ready will illustrate your hands-on approach and problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning large-scale civil engineering or infrastructure projects. Emphasise your familiarity with highway works and utility interfaces, as well as your proficiency in planning tools like Primavera P6.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the project. Discuss how your proactive approach and collaborative skills align with the responsibilities of the Planning Manager position, particularly in driving delivery strategies.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Mention your degree in an engineering discipline and any memberships in professional bodies such as ICE or APM. Highlight any specific training or certifications that relate to health, safety, and environmental requirements in construction.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully identified programme risks and opportunities in past projects. Illustrate your ability to challenge assumptions and validate schedules, showcasing your analytical skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cy Resourcing
✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with large-scale civil engineering projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led planning processes, especially in relation to highway works and utility interfaces.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be asked about how you handle challenges in project delivery. Share instances where you identified risks early and implemented effective solutions, showcasing your proactive approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Make sure you are comfortable discussing your proficiency in planning tools like Primavera P6 and CAD. You might be asked to explain how you've used these tools in past projects to enhance planning efficiency.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Prepare to talk about your collaborative experiences and how you've driven progress within a team, rather than just reporting on delays.