At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning services for major nuclear and energy projects, shaping capability and client relationships.
- Company: Global consultancy with a strong track record in infrastructure and energy sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of energy.
- Other info: Opportunity to step into strategic leadership and contribute to business development.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering sector, influencing the future of Small Modular Reactors in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading planning teams and knowledge of nuclear or regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A global professional services consultancy operating across infrastructure, energy and natural resources, delivering complex programmes at scale. With a strong track record in major capital delivery, the business continues to expand its presence in emerging sectors, including nuclear and Small Modular Reactors (SMR), where long‑term investment and capability are front of mind.
There’s a growing need for credible leadership in planning within the nuclear and wider energy space - particularly as SMR programmes move from concept into delivery reality. This role sits firmly in that space. This is a leadership position within the planning function, responsible not just for programme delivery, but for shaping capability, developing client relationships, and contributing to the commercial success of the wider business.
As Planning Lead, you will take ownership of planning services across major, complex programmes within the SMR and nuclear sector. You will lead planning delivery across a portfolio of projects, supporting team development and playing a key role in maintaining and growing client relationships. You’ll operate at both a strategic and delivery level - setting direction, assuring outputs, and maintaining strong client relationships, while ensuring planning excellence remains consistent across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the delivery of planning services across major programmes, ensuring alignment with client objectives and wider programme controls.
- Manage, mentor and develop a team of planners, building capability in line with sector demand.
- Oversee the development, management and assurance of integrated schedules (Level 1–3), ensuring consistency and quality.
- Act as a senior interface with clients, providing trusted advice on programme strategy, risks and performance.
- Drive planning best practice, governance and process improvement across commissions.
- Contribute to business development activities, including bid support, client engagement and pipeline development.
- Support forecasting and revenue within the planning discipline.
- Work collaboratively within a broader project controls environment, ensuring integration across cost, risk and performance.
- Demonstrable experience leading planning teams on major, complex infrastructure or energy projects.
- Strong background in nuclear, defence or similarly regulated environments.
- Experience operating at a senior level within a consultancy, main contractor or client‑side environment.
- Track record of contributing to business development, winning work or supporting growth.
- Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning methodologies within complex programmes.
- Strong understanding of NEC contracts and programme governance.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate as a trusted advisor.
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
The SMR space is still taking shape in the UK – which means this is an opportunity to be part of building something long‑term, in a sector where planning capability will be critical to success. For those already in nuclear, it offers a chance to step into a more strategic leadership position. For those in adjacent sectors (major infrastructure, defence, energy), it’s a credible route into one of the UK’s most talked‑about programmes.
Planning Lead in Manchester employer: Energy Jobline ZR
As a Planning Lead in Manchester, you will join a global professional services consultancy renowned for its commitment to delivering complex programmes in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development, offering ample opportunities for growth and leadership within the rapidly evolving nuclear and SMR landscape. With a focus on innovation and excellence, this role not only allows you to shape the future of energy planning but also positions you at the forefront of a sector poised for significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Lead in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Energy Jobline ZR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
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In a full-time role, employers like Energy Jobline ZR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
