Planning Lead

Planning Lead

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pegasus Search & Selection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning services for major nuclear and energy projects, shaping capability and client relationships.
  • Company: Global consultancy driving innovation in infrastructure and energy sectors.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape the future of energy.
  • Other info: Opportunity to step into strategic leadership and influence major projects.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in the evolving SMR sector and make a lasting impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading planning teams and knowledge of nuclear or regulated environments.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

A global professional services consultancy operating across infrastructure, energy and natural resources, delivering complex programmes at scale. With a strong track record in major capital delivery, the business continues to expand its presence in emerging sectors, including nuclear and Small Modular Reactors (SMR), where long-term investment and capability are front of mind.

There’s a growing need for credible leadership in planning within the nuclear and wider energy space - particularly as SMR programmes move from concept into delivery reality. This role sits firmly in that space.

This is a leadership position within the planning function, responsible not just for programme delivery, but for shaping capability, developing client relationships, and contributing to the commercial success of the wider business.

As Planning Lead, you will take ownership of planning services across major, complex programmes within the SMR and nuclear sector. You will lead planning delivery across a portfolio of projects, supporting team development and playing a key role in maintaining and growing client relationships.

You’ll operate at both a strategic and delivery level - setting direction, assuring outputs, and maintaining strong client relationships, while ensuring planning excellence remains consistent across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the delivery of planning services across major programmes, ensuring alignment with client objectives and wider programme controls.
  • Manage, mentor and develop a team of planners, building capability in line with sector demand.
  • Oversee the development, management and assurance of integrated schedules (Level 1–3), ensuring consistency and quality.
  • Act as a senior interface with clients, providing trusted advice on programme strategy, risks and performance.
  • Drive planning best practice, governance and process improvement across commissions.
  • Contribute to business development activities, including bid support, client engagement and pipeline development.
  • Support fee forecasting and revenue generation within the planning discipline.
  • Work collaboratively within a broader project controls environment, ensuring integration across cost, risk and performance.
What They’re Looking For
  • Demonstrable experience leading planning teams on major, complex infrastructure or energy projects.
  • Strong background in nuclear, defence or similarly regulated environments.
  • Experience operating at a senior level within a consultancy, main contractor or client-side environment.
  • Track record of contributing to business development, winning work or supporting fee growth.
  • Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning methodologies within complex programmes.
  • Strong understanding of NEC contracts and programme governance.
  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate as a trusted advisor.
  • Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.

The SMR space is still taking shape in the UK - which means this is an opportunity to be part of building something long-term, in a sector where planning capability will be critical to success. For those already in nuclear, it offers a chance to step into a more strategic leadership position. For those in adjacent sectors (major infrastructure, defence, energy), it’s a credible route into one of the UK’s most talked-about programmes.

Planning Lead employer: Pegasus Search & Selection

As a leading global construction consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. Joining us as a PMO Lead means you'll have the opportunity to work on significant Energy & Natural Resources programmes, with strong career progression and professional development opportunities. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that is shaping the future of the UK's energy infrastructure.

Pegasus Search & Selection

Contact Details:

Pegasus Search & Selection Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Lead

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the nuclear and energy sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading planning teams and managing complex projects. Share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles – this is your time to shine!

Be a Problem Solver

Employers love candidates who can think on their feet. During interviews, be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in planning and how you overcame them. This shows you’re not just a planner, but a strategic thinker who can add real value.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your genuine interest in being part of our team. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Lead

Leadership Skills
Programme Delivery
Client Relationship Management
Team Development
Integrated Schedule Management
Planning Best Practices
Governance and Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Planning Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading planning teams and managing complex projects, especially in the nuclear or energy sectors. We want to see how your background aligns 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 the SMR space and how you can contribute to our team's success. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills.

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and your understanding of NEC contracts. We’re looking for someone who can drive planning best practices, so make sure these skills are front and centre in your application.

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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pegasus Search & Selection

Know Your Sector

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in the nuclear and energy sectors, especially around Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Being able to discuss current challenges and opportunities will show your genuine interest and expertise.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading planning teams and managing complex projects. Highlight how you've mentored team members and contributed to their development, as this role is all about shaping capability.

Client Relationship Focus

Think of specific instances where you've successfully built and maintained client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you’ve acted as a trusted advisor and influenced senior stakeholders, as this will be key in your new role.

Master the Tools of the Trade

Familiarise yourself with Primavera P6 and other planning methodologies. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects to ensure quality and consistency in planning outputs.