At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for major defence projects and ensure compliance with NEC4 standards.
- Company: Mace, a leading construction consultancy redefining ambition in the industry.
- Benefits: Car allowance, medical cover, life insurance, pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and encourage all to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence infrastructure while shaping project delivery outcomes.
- Qualifications: Strong scheduling experience with Primavera P6 and NEC4 compliance essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition.
Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
Mace is seeking talented Senior Planning Managers to support major defence infrastructure projects in the Cambridgeshire area, working within a high‑profile CAT A programme.
In this role, you will act as the client’s representative, providing expert programme management oversight, schedule assurance, and governance across complex and sensitive projects.
This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape delivery outcomes, influence senior stakeholders, and contribute to nationally significant defence infrastructure with precision and professionalism.
Note: SC Clearance is essential for this role.
You’ll be responsible for: Working within project team(s) to provide expert planning and scheduling leadership.
Collaborating with D&B contractors to develop robust and detailed project schedules.
Providing governance, oversight, and assurance of contractor schedules, ensuring NEC4 compliance.
Ensuring schedules incorporate all relevant DEO processes and procedures.
Reviewing, challenging, and approving schedule updates, compensation events, and claims.
Managing planning across multiple projects simultaneously, depending on size and location.
Interfacing with PMO and portfolio scheduling teams to maintain accurate portfolio‑level schedules.
Supporting negotiations, contract development, and due‑diligence activities.
Contributing to long‑term planning strategy within your function or business unit.
Building and maintaining strong communication and collaborative relationships with the client and wider stakeholders.
You’ll need to have: Eligibility for UK SC security clearance (minimum 5 years uninterrupted UK residency).
Strong construction scheduling experience with Primavera P6.
NEC4 experience (essential).
Membership of APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA, or evidence of equivalent professional development.
Extensive experience planning and scheduling defence projects or complex programmes.
Strong property or infrastructure project management expertise.
Experience managing relationships with senior project stakeholders.
What’s on offer: Car allowance Medical health cover Life Insurance Income protection insurance Pension Scheme Family Friendly policies Our values Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.
Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.#LI-On-site Job Summary Job number: 42677Date posted : 2026-06-24Profession: Project & Programme Management Employment type: Full-time
Senior Planning Manager - Defence in Cambridge employer: Mace group
Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, integrity, and client focus, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As a Programme Integration Lead in Cumbria, you will benefit from hybrid working options, comprehensive health coverage, and generous leave policies, all while contributing to a high-profile Defence programme of national importance. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and continuous improvement, Mace empowers its team members to excel and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager - Defence in Cambridge
✨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 Mace group, 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 Senior Planning Manager - Defence at Mace group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Manager - Defence in Cambridge
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 Mace group
✨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!
