Planning Manager - 4D

We are seeking an ambitious, technically driven individual with a creative mindset to serve as our 4D Technical Lead. This is a high-impact role with a project-wide scope, overseeing the 4D integration across the entire 26km length of our High Speed 2 (HS2) main works contract. You will have a clear career pathway toward becoming a recognised technical authority within the organization.

As a 4D Planning manager, you will act as the primary technical specialist in 4D Planning and digital construction. This position is designed for a technical expert who wishes to shape the evolution of digital delivery practices while remaining hands-on with live project execution. By leveraging your expertise in 4D planning and digital rehearsal facilitation, you will act as a vital bridge between engineering and delivery functions. Using a collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills, you will ensure that digital innovation translates into practical, high-value solutions for one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure stretches.

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the team to document the already established 4D processes, protocols, and standards.
• Establish and refine 4D standards, workflows, and best practices aligned to project needs.
• Creation of logistics, land use and temporary works 3D models.
• Develop 4D models utilising Synchro for Digital Rehearsals, linking the model and programme, to provide visualisations.
• Partner with Planning, BIM, design, and construction teams to embed 4D methodologies into everyday project delivery.
• Conduct ‘what if’ scenario analyses within 4D to identify and mitigate schedule risks.
• Undertake full responsibilities for Digital Rehearsals, prioritising programme protection and optimisation.
• Lead collaborative 4D workshops and generate relevant reports to provide stakeholders with information to enhance project efficiency.
• Create animations/simulations at defined stages for communicating the overall job sequence.
• Act as the technical lead for 4D planning, providing expert guidance and supporting consistent, high-quality delivery.
• Provide hands-on technical support, mentoring, and targeted training to develop capability across project teams.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to the evolution of the digital delivery strategy.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree in Architecture / Construction / Engineering or appropriate professional qualification.
• Proven experience in planning within large-scale construction projects.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and contributing to project delivery.
• Strong hands-on experience on Bentley’s Synchro 4D Pro platform.
• Very good proficiency and experience of model authoring tools such as Bentley's Open Building Designer, or MicroStation.
• Background in scheduling, sound knowledge and experience in planning and programme software (e.g. Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project).
• Strong communicator, able to influence and guide teams through technical leadership rather than formal authority.
• Ability to interpret complex project data, identify risks and propose solutions.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues.

About The Company

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK’s new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK’s 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services. The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.

You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join one of our networks for women, military or LGBT+ staff, and participate in cultural and social events with the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador). Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.

HS2 – working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To maintain this and recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we can monitor and improve our approach to diversity. All responses are anonymous and data will be held securely as per the Data Protection Act 1998 and reported to HS2. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities.