At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team in rail and civil engineering projects across the South region.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a strong focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for regional travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role while mentoring the next generation of planners.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning within rail or civil engineering and strong Primavera P6 skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planner to take ownership of the regional planning function across a diverse and active South region portfolio. Reporting to the Planning Manager and working closely with Operations Directors and project delivery teams, this is a senior, influential role for a planning professional who combines technical excellence with the leadership capability to develop and elevate a regional team.
The South region delivers a broad range of rail and civil engineering schemes, from multi-disciplinary frameworks and programmes to high-speed fibre cable installation. Project values up to the tens of millions, with multiple concurrent frameworks, reporting lines, and client relationships to manage simultaneously.
As Principal Planner, you will lead a team of planners across the region, championing best practice, driving consistency, and ensuring the production of integrated, well-controlled programmes that support effective design, procurement, and construction delivery. This is a role that requires both strategic oversight and practical engagement. You will be expected to mentor and develop planners at varying stages of their careers, manage multiple stakeholder relationships across different frameworks and clients, and provide clear, authoritative programme guidance.
NEC contract knowledge and Primavera P6 proficiency are central to the role. The successful candidate will be expected to lead on NEC programme administration and raise the standard of project controls practice across the region.
Key Responsibilities- Total ownership of the regional planning team's development, ensuring professional growth and ability across the team
- Produce and oversee integrated project programmes covering full delivery lifecycle
- Maintain oversight of site progress, working with delivery teams to validate updates, identify deviations, and agree corrective actions
- Generate planning outputs, including earned value reporting, schedule risk analysis, and performance metrics, to support decision-making
- Provide guidance on programme implications arising from change, risk events, and progress variances
- Take responsibility for the administration and integrity of the P6 Cloud environment
- Collaborate with commercial and procurement teams to develop subcontract enquiry schedules and ensure timely procurement
- Act as the primary planning interface for Operations Directors, framework clients, and wider stakeholders, translating complex programme data into clear, actionable insight
- Proven experience at Senior Planner or Principal Planner level within rail, civil engineering, or heavy infrastructure
- Strong Primavera P6 expertise and a thorough understanding of project controls principles
- Demonstrable NEC contract knowledge, with the ability to lead programme administration across multiple projects
- Multi-project framework experience, with the ability to manage competing priorities and varied client relationships simultaneously
- A collaborative and confident leadership style, with experience mentoring and developing planning professionals
- Practical, site-informed understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, and delivery risk
- Knowledge of earned value management and schedule risk analysis
- The ability to communicate complex programme strategies clearly to a wide range of stakeholders
- Rail sector experience is desirable, though candidates with a strong heavy civils or infrastructure background and the requisite technical skills will be considered.
The role is based across the South region, with flexibility to work from the office location nearest to the successful candidate. The team operates primarily through remote collaboration, with in-person meetings held periodically. Some regional travel will be required, including occasional attendance at client and stakeholder meetings.
Remuneration & Benefits- Salary of £80,000–£90,000, dependent on experience
- Company car or car allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Company contributory pension scheme and life insurance
- Performance-related salary reviews
- Structured development pathways and genuine progression opportunities
Candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply or make contact for a confidential discussion. The selection process will comprise an initial Teams-based screening interview, followed by a face-to-face meeting at the regional office most convenient to the candidate.
Interested candidates can apply via the button on screen or send a CV with reference to this role to Connor at connor.matthews@ganymedesolutions.co.uk.
Locations
Regional Planning Lead in Dartford, Kent employer: Ganymede
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the rail and civil engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to structured growth pathways and mentorship opportunities, all while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. Our flexible working arrangements and supportive team culture make this an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Planning Lead in Dartford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the rail and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially in the South region. Be ready to discuss how your experience with NEC contracts and Primavera P6 can add value to their team. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance, highlight your experience mentoring planners and managing multiple stakeholders. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve driven best practices and improved project outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenges of the Regional Planning Lead role.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Planning Lead in Dartford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Regional Planning Lead role. Highlight your expertise in NEC contracts and Primavera P6, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led planning teams and managed multiple projects successfully.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring and developing planners, be sure to mention any leadership experiences you have. We want to see how you can elevate our regional team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ganymede
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your NEC contract knowledge and Primavera P6 skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects, as this role heavily relies on them. Prepare specific examples that showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Regional Planning Lead, you'll be expected to mentor and develop your team. Think of instances where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve managed competing priorities in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role requires strategic oversight, so be prepared to discuss how you align project planning with broader organisational goals. Familiarise yourself with the types of rail and civil engineering schemes the company handles, and think about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be the primary planning interface for various stakeholders, so practice articulating complex programme data in a clear and actionable way. Prepare to discuss how you've managed stakeholder relationships in the past and how you plan to maintain effective communication in this role.
