Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for innovative substation projects in the energy sector.
- Company: Top-tier infrastructure provider in the UK energy market.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-voltage project planning and team management required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and client engagement.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: South West / South Wales
Sector: Energy Infrastructure, Transmission and Renewables
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000–£90,000 per annum, plus car allowance and discretionary bonus
About the Company
Our client is a leading provider of essential infrastructure services across the UK energy sector. Operating across electricity transmission and distribution, renewables, EV, metering, and decarbonisation, the business delivers end-to-end solutions that support the reliable supply of energy. The organisation places strong emphasis on safety, client delivery, and creating a respectful and supportive working environment where people are encouraged to grow and thrive.
Role Overview
The Planning Manager will join the Substations team, supporting transmission and renewables projects across the South West and South Wales. This is a client-facing role requiring regular travel. The position is responsible for the development and management of robust, detailed project programmes across the full lifecycle of substation works, including design, procurement, and construction, ensuring programmes remain current and reflective of project changes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the production of robust and detailed programmes for all works associated with the design, procurement, and construction phases of substation projects
- Liaise closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Site Engineers to ensure programmes reflect live project changes
- Manage and coordinate the production of detailed trackers to substantiate progress measurements on a regular basis
- Retain and maintain progress data for analysis and use on future bids
- Mentor and support less experienced members of the planning team on technical aspects of programming
- Operate effectively in a client-facing environment, representing the business professionally at all times
Requirements
- Proven experience planning major projects within a high-voltage environment
- Knowledge and experience of National Grid substations
- Experience managing and supporting a planning team
- Proven experience using Primavera P6
- Experience working with NEC contracts
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to collaborate, influence, and engage with stakeholders at all levels, including Executive Directors
- Proven track record of delivering change and implementing strategic initiatives
What’s on Offer
- Salary of £75,000–£90,000 per annum
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Car allowance
- Salary sacrifice EV / hybrid car scheme
- Private healthcare
- Healthcare cash plan
Planning Manager - Substations employer: Optima Site Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Optima Site Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager - Substations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the energy infrastructure space. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience with project planning and how it aligns with the role of Planning Manager – Substations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager - Substations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing major projects, especially in high-voltage environments, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of National Grid substations!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency with Primavera P6 and your experience with NEC contracts. We want to see how you can bring these skills to our team and contribute to our projects.
Be Client-Focused: Since this role is client-facing, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Site Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the company undertakes, especially in the high-voltage environment. Familiarise yourself with their recent work on substations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with Primavera P6 and NEC contracts. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed project programmes in the past, and be ready to explain your approach to overcoming challenges in project planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Abilities
Since this role involves mentoring less experienced team members, think of specific instances where you've led a team or supported colleagues. Highlight your ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders, as this will show you're a great fit for their client-facing environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company's projects and culture. Inquire about their approach to safety and client delivery, or ask how they envision the Planning Manager contributing to future strategic initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
