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- Tasks: Lead planning for a major water resilience programme, ensuring timely delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join a top-tier international contractor with a focus on innovative infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical water supply networks while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in planning roles, strong skills in programme controls and reporting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
We are partnering a major infrastructure delivery organisation supporting a nationally significant water resilience programme in the UK in the appointment of a Senior Planner. The programme is being delivered through a competitively procured, long-term infrastructure delivery model by a project company backed by leading international construction and infrastructure investors. The scheme forms part of a major utility provider’s strategy to enhance the resilience and long-term security of a critical regional water supply network. A Tier 1 international contractor has been appointed to deliver the design and construction phase of the works. Upon completion, the asset will be operated by the utility provider, with the project company retaining responsibility for long-term asset stewardship and maintenance of newly constructed infrastructure for a 25-year term.
The Senior Planner will work closely with the contractor’s planning team and independent technical advisors to provide robust programme oversight, analysis and reporting. The role requires strong expertise in complex infrastructure schedules, critical path analysis, delay identification and programme risk management. The successful candidate will use advanced planning systems and digital tools to assess progress, identify variances, and support informed decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the contractor to review and assess monthly programme submissions
- Producing executive-level summary programmes and progress reporting
- Ensuring client-side scope and obligations are accurately reflected within the programme
- Monitoring performance against the agreed baseline programme
- Producing variance, deviation and performance analysis reports
- Reviewing and supporting assessment of programme impacts arising from change events
- Ensuring contractual compliance in relation to programme submissions and updates
- Supporting monthly programme assurance processes with delivery partners and technical advisors
- Using digital planning tools to deliver data-driven analysis (including QSRA and progress tracking)
- Providing programme input to commercial and cost impact assessments
- Supporting external stakeholder reporting requirements, including lenders’ technical advisors where required
- Conducting forensic delay analysis and assessment of programme revisions
- Producing weekly and monthly progress reports
- Identifying schedule risks early and supporting mitigation planning activities
- Delivering scenario-based “what-if” analysis to support project decision-making
- Supporting evaluation and assessment of compensation events and programme impacts
Skills and experience required:
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in planning roles on major infrastructure or construction programmes
- Strong background in programme controls, reporting and contractor interface management
- Experience working within complex contractual delivery frameworks (NEC, PPP, PFI or equivalent)
- Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline
- Professional certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, MSP) desirable
- Strong proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project
- Experience with programme analysis tools (e.g. Acumen Fuse) advantageous
This permanent role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, hybrid working. No sponsorship available.
Senior Planner in Manchester employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to programme controls and risk management. Show them you’re not just a planner, but a strategic thinker who can add value to their water resilience programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the Senior Planner position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better, so we can get back to you quicker!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience in complex infrastructure projects and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to programme controls and risk management, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in tools like Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. We love seeing candidates who can leverage digital planning tools for data-driven analysis, so make sure to highlight this!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex infrastructure schedules and critical path analysis. Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project, so you can confidently discuss your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in programme controls and contractor interface management. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to contractual frameworks like NEC or PFI.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the project and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the water resilience programme effectively.
✨Practice Your Reporting Skills
Since the role involves producing executive-level summary programmes and progress reports, practice explaining complex information clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock report to showcase your ability to analyse and present data-driven insights during the interview.