Associate Director - Planning in Manchester

Associate Director - Planning in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time No working from home possible
Dormont Manufacturing Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team on iconic infrastructure and energy projects.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company shaping the future of urban development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and professional growth with excellent career opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while fostering collaboration and innovation in your team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Project Management or related field; strong leadership and planning skills required.

Step into a pivotal role within our Complex Projects team where you help shape iconic infrastructure and energy projects. From cutting‑edge transport systems to sustainable urban regeneration, your leadership will drive delivery. We’re not just building projects—we’re engineering a better future. That means fostering a truly collaborative culture where every voice is valued, every contribution recognised, and every talent nurtured. If you’re ready to lead with empathy, manage with clarity, and elevate those around you—this is your platform. We champion flexible and remote working. Whether you’re looking to reduce your working week, buy additional leave, or pursue passions outside of work, we’ll support your ambitions and make reasonable adjustments to help you thrive.

Your Role

  • Lead a regional planning team, recruiting planners, senior planners and planning managers and growing the regional planning team.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage robust baselines aligned with contractual and performance metrics.
  • Lead planning across complex, multidisciplinary projects.
  • Facilitate workshops and performance reviews.
  • Ensure compliance with NEC contracts.
  • Deliver advanced reporting including EVM.
  • Integrate schedule, cost, and risk.
  • Conduct critical path and scenario planning.
  • Apply delay analysis and assure contractor schedule integrity.

About You

  • A degree in Project Management, Engineering, or Construction Management.
  • Demonstrated success as a planning leader in sectors such as transport, energy, defense, water, or rail.
  • Strong people management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing high‑performing teams.
  • In‑depth knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical application in complex environments.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
  • Proficiency in planning tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
  • Analytical acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Advanced understanding of project management methodologies and industry best practices.

Benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

Associate Director - Planning in Manchester employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co

Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the Complex Projects team, where your leadership will directly contribute to shaping iconic infrastructure and energy projects. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and tailored professional development opportunities, we create an environment where every voice is valued and every talent is nurtured. Here, you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the future of our communities.

Dormont Manufacturing Co

Contact Details:

Dormont Manufacturing Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Planning in Manchester

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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Associate Director - Planning at Dormont Manufacturing Co.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Planning in Manchester

Project Management
Leadership
People Management
Planning Tools (Primavera P6, MS Project)
NEC Contracts Knowledge
Analytical Acumen
Strategic Thinking

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 Dormont Manufacturing Co

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!