Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter

Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter

Exeter +1 Full-Time 100000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Kenton Black

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning strategy for high-profile civil engineering projects across the South West.
  • Company: Join a top UK construction and engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days leave, and enhanced family leave.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career development in a dynamic and supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure and make a real impact in your community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning within civil engineering and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.

Join one of the UK’s leading construction and engineering organisations and play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile civil engineering projects across the South West. Our Regional Civils team is looking for an experienced and driven Lead Planner / Planning Manager to help drive performance, innovation, and excellence across a diverse project portfolio.

This is a senior leadership opportunity where your expertise in planning and programming will directly influence successful project outcomes—from early-stage tendering through to on-site delivery.

The Role

  • Leading the development, management, and optimisation of detailed project programmes across multiple civil engineering projects
  • Providing strategic planning input during tender and pre-construction phases
  • Monitoring progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain programme targets
  • Collaborating closely with delivery, design, and commercial teams to ensure alignment across all project stages
  • Analysing programme performance and producing insightful reports for senior leadership and clients
  • Driving continuous improvement in planning standards, systems, and tools across the regional business
  • Mentoring and developing junior planners, building a high-performing planning function

About You

You are a proactive and strategic planner with a strong track record in infrastructure or civil engineering environments. We’re looking for:

  • Proven experience in a Planning Manager or Senior Planner role within civil engineering or infrastructure
  • Strong working knowledge of planning tools such as Primavera P6 (or equivalent)
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risk management
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • A relevant qualification in engineering, construction, or project management (desirable)

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a team delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious and meaningful infrastructure projects, improving communities and supporting the economy. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment alongside a competitive benefits package:

  • Smart working – including flexible hours and up to 40% remote working (role dependent)
  • 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays, pro rata)
  • Enhanced family leave – including 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption and 4 weeks for paternity/partners
  • Pension scheme, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, and recognition programmes
  • Opportunities for career development and progression within a leading organisation

About Us

Our Regional Civils team has a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects across highways, rail, public realm, flood and coastal defence, and industrial sectors throughout England and Wales. We’re committed to connecting communities and building a more sustainable future.

If you’re ready to take the lead in shaping major infrastructure projects and want to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you.

Locations

Exeter Devon

Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter employer: Kenton Black

Join a leading construction and engineering organisation that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and employee development. As a Planning Manager in South West England, you will enjoy a flexible working environment, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to shape impactful infrastructure projects while mentoring junior planners. With a commitment to sustainability and community improvement, this role offers a meaningful career path in a supportive culture that values your expertise.
Kenton Black

Contact Detail:

Kenton Black Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with planning tools like Primavera P6. We want to see how your skills can directly impact their projects, so be ready to share specific examples of your past successes!

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before any interview! Research the company and its recent projects, especially in civil engineering. We want you to come across as genuinely interested and knowledgeable, which will definitely set you apart from other candidates.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s shape the future of infrastructure together!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter

Planning Strategy
Programme Management
Project Programming
Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Mentoring
Primavera P6
Continuous Improvement
Collaboration
Multi-Project Management
Civil Engineering Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about infrastructure and how your strategic planning skills can drive performance at StudySmarter. Keep it engaging and personal.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved project outcomes or implemented innovative solutions in your previous roles. We love seeing results!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects the company is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in civil engineering and infrastructure, especially in the South West. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with planning tools like Primavera P6. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects, highlighting your analytical skills and proactive approach to risk management. This will illustrate your capability to drive performance and innovation.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since strong communication and stakeholder engagement are key for this role, think of specific instances where you've collaborated with delivery, design, and commercial teams. Share how you ensured alignment across project stages, as this will showcase your teamwork and leadership abilities.

✨Prepare Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's future projects or their approach to continuous improvement in planning standards. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic mindset, which is crucial for a Lead Planner.

Planning Manager in Devon, Exeter
Kenton Black
Location: Exeter

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