Area Planning Lead

Area Planning Lead

Full-Time 58349 - 71315 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning efforts for a major transport hub, ensuring efficiency and integration.
  • Company: Join HS2 Ltd, the UK's pioneering high-speed rail network.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transport while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project planning and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.

Job Description

The Area Model aims to establish a single guiding mind with clear accountability to deliver the integrated transport hub for the relevant area programme of works.

This role is responsible for providing Planning Leadership to the Area Team to improve efficiency and planning integration across the model.

This role plays a key part in bringing stakeholders together, to build a team that is working together to create a focused, aligned, empowered area‑base that enables control, integration and informed decision making.

Job Description

Location: The role is based in the Podium, Euston and requires a minimum of three days per week office attendance.

The Area Model aims to establish a single guiding mind with clear accountability to deliver the integrated transport hub for the relevant area programme of works.

This role is responsible for providing Planning Leadership to the Area Team to improve efficiency and planning integration across the model.

This role plays a key part in bringing stakeholders together, to build a team that is working together to create a focused, aligned, empowered area‑base that enables control, integration and informed decision making.

The Area Planning Lead will evaluate project time for the relevant Area programme of works, lead on proactive interface management, with both key external and internal stakeholder all working towards a common vision, and assist with correlation of cost and risk assessments.

A key aspect will be to identify areas for continuous improvement to drive performance benefits.

In addition, this role is also responsible for the application of project planning systems, policies and standards to ensure compliance.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.

In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.

About The Role

  • Lead on the integration of the P6 programme from an Area Model perspective being the key contact with all stakeholders within the multifunctional matrix which consists of both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Lead on liaising and collaboration with external stakeholders such as Network Rail, Tf L and Df T.
  • Collaborate with functional Heads to ensure schedule interfaces are proactively managed between schedules supporting and driving the change process to ensure alignment is maintained.
  • Provide insight on historic and future performance to identify trends and mitigations. Provide hierarchical performance reporting.
  • Correlate Schedule, Cost and Risk assessment through integrated solutions to influence critical path analysis thus providing robust/quality plans for decision making.
  • Lead in What‑if scenario planning providing integrated solutions to programme/project conflicts and recoveries.

Lead and monitor processes to integrate scheduling from across all projects within the area of work.

  • Demonstrate clear and concise communication and presentation skills to different levels of audience utilising appropriate supporting material.
  • Accountable for leading the Planning team, setting objectives, reviewing performance and ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and understanding to deliver the team’s objectives.
  • Support the Head of Planning and Integration in Baseline management and ad‑hoc business requirements.
  • Collaborate with project delivery teams, specialist HS2 Directorates, and external stakeholders (including suppliers, regulatory bodies, and the Department for Transport) where necessary to integrate all time, cost and quality information to support the monitoring of project progress.
  • Planning Community – Support the Head of Planning and the Project Controls function in leading the planners in relation to setting objectives, reviewing performance and anticipating in selection and promotion decisions to ensure that planners have the necessary skills and understanding to deliver the team's objectives.
  • Capture, implement and share best practice Project Planning policy, processes and procedures across the business to drive continuous improvement.
  • Actively promoting and embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and supporting and complying with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.

Skills

About you

  • Clear Direction - Defining and prioritising objectives, analysing inputs, assessing data, defining strategies and supporting rationales.
  • Ability to direct a team of Senior Planners and Planners on the actions needed to manage and mitigate any critical issues.
  • Complex problem solving – identifying complex problems; reviewing, analysing and interpreting a wide range of data to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Ability to assimilate large volumes of detail, drawing out the key issues in a clear and concise way, suitable for all audiences.
  • Prioritisation – able to manage and plan multiple workstreams and the competing demands of stakeholders.
  • Decision Quality - Gathering and synthesising information, identifying options and applying judgement based on logic and reason, making use of a variety of analytical approaches to provide relevant information to suppliers, stakeholders and decision makers using key facts and data.
  • Communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and influence colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels, including the Board and Senior Executives.
  • Ability to lead and influence decision making within a delivery team environment.
  • Ability to effectively manage project controls process and systems.
  • Knowledge
  • Knowledge of planning systems, processes and procedures that are capable of delivering large complex programmes.
  • Knowledge of the core Project Controls disciplines, including; Schedule Management, Cost Management, Change Management and Risk Management and an understanding of how they interrelate.
  • Understanding of NEC contracts, amendments, early warning notices and the work flows of communications between contractor and client.
  • Knowledge of the all stages of the project life cycle.
  • Type Of Experience
  • Experience of delivering a senior planning role within complex delivery projects with multiple interfaces.
  • Experience in the core project controls functions, including; baseline maintenance, schedule management, cost performance, change management, risk management and performance reporting.
  • Experience of working on projects during all stages within the project lifecycle.
  • Experience of governance procedures such as re-baselining, funding approval or major contract implementation.
  • Experience of leading teams, developing their skills and improving the team working environment.
  • Experienced in the management and control of key Project Controls systems (e. g. Primavera P6, Prism, CEMAR, etc.).
  • Experience of leading contract progress and schedule change reviews.

The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect.

It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.

About Us

High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network.

As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs.

HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent.

We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.

In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.

HS2 Ltd is also a safety‑critical organisation.

Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.

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Area Planning Lead employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd

HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and personal development, offering flexible working arrangements and a supportive work culture. As the Director of Supply Chain Management, you will lead a high-performing team in a dynamic environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth while ensuring compliance with stringent safety and quality standards. Located in either Birmingham or London, HS2 Ltd fosters collaborative partnerships and encourages innovation, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the future of railway infrastructure.

HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd

Contact Details:

HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Area Planning Lead

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 HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, 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 Area Planning Lead at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Area Planning Lead

Planning Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Schedule Management
Cost Management
Risk Management
Change Management

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 HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd

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!