Head of Planning Manchester | Infrastructure Projects | Hybrid & Flexible Working The Head of Planning Role We’re looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead and develop our planning capability at Walker Sime. This is a senior opportunity to take ownership of the planning function, working across major construction and infrastructure projects while helping shape how the service develops and grows. You’ll combine technical planning expertise with leadership, client engagement and commercial awareness. As well as supporting the successful delivery of projects, you’ll develop our planning team, build strong relationships with clients and play an active role in identifying and securing new opportunities. For someone looking for a role with genuine influence, this is an opportunity to shape a service, develop people and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business. About Walker Sime Walker Sime is a construction consultancy providing specialist services across major construction and infrastructure projects. As part of HanmiGlobal, we combine our established UK expertise with the backing of an international organisation. We’re focused on providing high-quality technical advice to our clients while creating an environment where our people can develop, take on responsibility and build their careers. Responsibilities As Head of Planning, you’ll take responsibility for the technical leadership, development and growth of our planning capability. You will: * Lead the planning function, providing technical leadership and direction across projects. * Oversee the development, review and maintenance of robust project programmes. * Provide senior planning input on complex projects, supporting project teams and clients with clear, practical advice. * Review programme performance, including critical path, float, progress, constraints, risks and emerging delays. * Provide clear programme reporting and forecasting to support effective project decision-making. * Support teams in developing mitigation and recovery strategies where programmes move off track. * Work collaboratively with project, commercial, design, procurement and construction teams to ensure programmes reflect project delivery. * Provide planning input into programme change and delay matters where required. * Develop consistent planning standards, processes and ways of working across the business. * Lead, mentor and develop planners, helping build capability and create progression opportunities within the team. * Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients. * Identify opportunities to expand our planning services with existing clients and into new projects. * Play an active role in business development, including client meetings, proposals, tenders and pitches. * Work with colleagues across Walker Sime to identify opportunities where planning can complement our wider consultancy services. * Support the development of the planning pipeline and contribute to the sustainable growth of the service. Head of Planning Requirements Essential * Significant experience in planning or project controls within construction, infrastructure or major projects. * Strong technical understanding of project planning, including programme development, baselines, critical path, float, progress measurement, forecasting and recovery planning. * Experience of contributing to business development, including building client relationships, identifying new opportunities and supporting the growth of planning services. * Experience providing senior planning advice to project teams and clients. * The ability to interrogate complex programmes and communicate the key issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. * Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to constructively challenge and influence at senior level. * Experience leading, mentoring or developing other planning professionals. * A commercial mindset and the ability to build credible, long-term client relationships. * An interest in helping develop and grow a planning service, alongside delivering high-quality technical work. Preferred * Experience with Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject. * Experience working with NEC contracts and associated programme requirements. * Experience providing planning input into change, delay or compensation event assessments. * Previous involvement in bids, tenders, proposals or winning new work. * Experience across major infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, data centre or complex construction projects. Interested? If you’re an experienced planning professional looking for a senior role where you can combine technical leadership, client relationships, team development and business growth, we’d like to hear from you. Apply directly or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the opportunity. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
Head of Planning in Manchester employer: Walker Sime
Walker Sime is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Manchester. As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will have the unique opportunity to lead high-value infrastructure projects while benefiting from clear career progression and a competitive salary package. The company prioritises employee growth and development, ensuring that you are well-supported in your professional journey within a leading construction consultancy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning in Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Walker Sime, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Planning at Walker Sime.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker Sime
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
