At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and drive continuous improvement for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on digital technologies and AI integration.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming planning processes and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning, project controls, and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Strategic Planning Manager will lead the development, transformation, and continuous improvement of the SCS Planning Function, ensuring planning remains a key enabler of project delivery, programme assurance, change management, and project completion.
The role will act as a strategic partner to the Head of Planning, Delivery Units, Project Controls, Risk, Commercial, Technical Services and PMO teams to ensure planning standards, governance, reporting and systems are consistently applied across SCS.
The Strategic Planning Manager will be responsible for driving planning excellence, embedding the "One Team" planning culture, improving visibility of planning across the business, integrating digital technologies and AI-enabled solutions.
The role will also provide strategic leadership for Clause 32 processes, programme governance, planning standards, reporting development, Power BI integration and cross-functional collaboration across the wider SCS structure.
The Strategic Planning Manager is responsible for
- Support development and implementation of the SCS Planning Strategy and Planning Improvement Roadmap.
- Lead the transition of planning processes and governance arrangements to align with the Delivery Unit (DU) structure.
• Assess and recommend improvements to
- Clause 32 processes
- Programme reviews
- Planning governance
- Reporting frameworks
- P6 structures
- Planning assurance requirements
- Develop long-term improvement initiatives that support successful project delivery and completion.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Head of Planning on planning strategies.
- Planning Transformation and Continuous Improvement
- Drive the implementation of a "One Planning Team" approach across SCS.
• Develop and maintain consistent
- Planning procedures
- Standards
- Templates
- Working methodologies
- Assurance arrangements
- Lead planning lessons learned, best practice reviews and maturity assessments.
- Facilitate planning workshops, collaboration forums and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote consistency of planning outputs, reporting and programme management practices across all Delivery Units.
- Lead development of modern planning solutions and digital reporting capabilities.
• Collaborate with IT and Data teams to
- Enhance reporting through Power BI
- Develop data warehouse integration
- Improve planning automation
- Reduce manual reporting effort
- Investigate and implement AI opportunities within planning, reporting and project controls.
- Required Experience, Qualifications & Skills
- Significant experience in planning and project controls within major infrastructure projects.
- Extensive knowledge of NEC contracts and programme management.
• Experience in
- Clause 32 programme submissions
- Programme governance
- Change management
- PMO integration
- Risk management
- Reporting development
- Advanced Primavera P6 capability.
- Experience developing planning standards and procedures.
- Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Controls or similar discipline.
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Strategic Planning Manager employer: SCS Railways
SCS Railways is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters professional growth. As a Site Quality Engineer in London, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and the opportunity to work on impactful civil infrastructure projects that shape the future of transportation. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises quality and innovation while supporting your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategic Planning Manager at SCS Railways!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like SCS Railways or be willing to refer you for that Strategic Planning Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from SCS Railways who’s on the lookout for their next Strategic Planning Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategic Planning Manager role at SCS Railways!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at SCS Railways. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCS Railways
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at SCS Railways. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
