Closing Date
2026-09-14
Job Title: Major Projects PMO Planning Lead
Location: Falmer, Brighton hybrid working (2 days in office)
ContractType: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours
Salary: to be discussed at screening stage
Aboutthe role
Our Major Projects team is at the heart of delivering critical infrastructure that shapes the future of our business. As the PMO Planning Lead , you’ll play a pivotal role in driving strategic planning and scheduling across a portfolio of high-profile projects. This is a leadership position where your expertise will ensure robust schedules, governance, and delivery excellence. You’ll lead a talented team of planners and work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and external stakeholders to optimise efficiency and value throughout the project lifecycle.
What you willbe responsible for:
- Provide strategic leadership for all programme planning and scheduling activities across major projects.
- Expert in Primavera P6 (administration and super-user level).
- Establish and maintain an integrated portfolio-level schedule, ensuring robust governance and baseline control.
- Oversee preparation, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules, including critical path and what-if scenario planning.
- Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies to prevent schedule slippage.
- Developandestablisha portfolio Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Responsible for managing and maintaining P6 governance (access rights, global codes, calendars, layouts, etc). Lead and mentor a high-performing planning team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Additional Requirementsspecific to the role:
- Familiarity with NEC contract planning clauses and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Represent the PMO at executive boards, articulating schedule performance, risks, and mitigations
Whatyou’llbring to the role:
Essential
- Proven experience leading PMO planning within large-scale infrastructure or capital programmes.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.
- Expert knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning governance processes.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Desirable
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
- Professional certifications such as PMI-SP, AMP, or PRINCE2.
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule assurance techniques (e.g., DCMA 14-point assessment).
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time ofsignificant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team witha clear visionfor the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additionalinformation:
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates willbe requiredto provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK,criminal recordcheck (DBS)and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards orfails topass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also requirehigher levels of security vetting, which may involve providingadditionaldocumentation.
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Planning Lead in Lewes employer: Southern Water
Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of Falmer, Brighton. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities while working on impactful infrastructure projects that contribute to the community. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful employment.
