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- Tasks: Lead planning for high-profile civil engineering projects and drive performance across diverse portfolios.
- Company: Join a top UK construction and engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to building a sustainable future.
- Why this job: Shape major infrastructure projects that improve communities and support the economy.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning within civil engineering and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ 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.
- 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
Proven experience in a Planning Manager or Senior Planner role within civil engineering or infrastructure is essential. Strong working knowledge of planning tools such as Primavera P6 (or equivalent) is required. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risk management, are necessary. The ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is crucial. A relevant qualification in engineering, construction, or project management is desirable.
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
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
Planning & Strategy Manager in Devon, Exeter employer: Kenton Black
Contact Detail:
Kenton Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Strategy Manager in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Lead Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your planning expertise and how you've driven performance in past roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during interviews. We want to see your curiosity about their planning strategies and how you can contribute. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Strategy Manager in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning & Strategy Manager role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering and project management, and don’t forget to mention any specific tools like Primavera P6 that you’ve used.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share examples of how you've driven performance and innovation in past projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we want to see your leadership capabilities. Mention any experience mentoring junior planners or leading teams, and how you’ve contributed to high-performing planning functions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the projects that the company has delivered. Familiarise yourself with their approach to planning and programming, especially in civil engineering. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their project portfolio.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used analytical skills to solve problems or improve project outcomes. Highlight your experience with planning tools like Primavera P6, and be ready to explain how you've implemented risk management strategies in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
As a Lead Planner, you'll be expected to mentor junior planners. Share instances where you've successfully led a team or developed others' skills. This will illustrate your capability to build a high-performing planning function, which is crucial for this role.
✨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 shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's long-term success.