Associate Director Planning - Energy & Natural Resources

Turner & Townsend; Warrington; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking a highly skilled Planner Lead to oversee and manage planning processes, shaping strategic direction, and allocating resources for complex programmes. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders to create, implement, and track robust plans that drive project outcomes.

The role demands BPSS clearance eligibility, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, and strong proficiency with MS Project, Primavera, and Excel to

Qualifications

• Will be able to obtain BPSS level security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related field preferred.
• Proficient in planning tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Excel) and capable of leveraging these tools for efficient project tracking and reporting.
• Strong background in planning, project management, and resource allocation with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to analyse data and project requirements to identify risks and proactively implement solutions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with cross‑functional teams, management, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams, providing guidance, and promoting collaboration among team members.
• In‑depth knowledge of planning methodologies, project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera), and best practices within the industry.
• Ability to adjust planning strategies and processes in response to changing business needs or unexpected challenges.
• Strong organisational skills with a focus on accuracy, ensuring that all project plans and resources are effectively managed.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning process for projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources, and define timelines to ensure efficient project execution.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to track project progress, identify risks, and resolve issues. Ensure smooth communication and coordination across teams, departments, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring they are optimized for project success. Work closely with team leads to forecast resource needs and adjust plans accordingly.
• Regularly monitor the progress of planning activities and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports to senior management on project status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Proactively identify potential risks or delays in the planning process and provide solutions to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that projects stay on track.
• Provide leadership and guidance to junior planners or planning team members, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture. Support the professional development of the planning team.
• Assess current planning processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Act as the main point of contact for key stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that all parties are kept informed of planning progress and any necessary changes.

Skills

Planning

MS Project

Primavera

Excel

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Excel

Job description

At Turner & Townsend our award-winning Controls & Performance team are focused on driving innovation, enhancing our client’s integrated controls capability, improving performance, and delivering better programme outcomes. We have a growing national team of over 600 Controls & Performance professionals. The breadth and scale of our team provides great opportunities to reach back and draw upon a vast pool of experience to enhance your knowledge and career. Our strong capability, discipline communities and varied client base, provides a great opportunity to drive your career, supported by our career pathways.

Please find out more about us at: https://www.turnerandtownsend.com/en/about-us/our-purpose-and-values/

At Turner & Townsend our award-winning Controls & Performance team are focused on driving innovation, enhancing our client’s integrated controls capability, improving performance, and delivering better programme outcomes. We have a growing national team of over 600 Controls & Performance professionals. The breadth and scale of our team provides great opportunities to reach back and draw upon a vast pool of experience to enhance your knowledge and career. Our strong capability, discipline communities and varied client base, provides a great opportunity to drive your career, supported by our career pathways.

Please find out more about us at: https://www.turnerandtownsend.com/en/about-us/our-purpose-and-values/

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Planner to oversee and manage the planning processes. This leadership role is pivotal in driving the strategic direction, ensuring that planning operations align with organizational goals, and facilitating effective resource allocation. The Planning Lead will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders to create, implement, and track comprehensive plans that drive successful project outcomes.

Day to day duties:

• Lead the planning process for projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources, and define timelines to ensure efficient project execution.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to track project progress, identify risks, and resolve issues. Ensure smooth communication and coordination across teams, departments, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring they are optimized for project success. Work closely with team leads to forecast resource needs and adjust plans accordingly.
• Regularly monitor the progress of planning activities and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports to senior management on project status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Proactively identify potential risks or delays in the planning process and provide solutions to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that projects stay on track.
• Provide leadership and guidance to junior planners or planning team members, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture. Support the professional development of the planning team.
• Assess current planning processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Act as the main point of contact for key stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring that all parties are kept informed of planning progress and any necessary changes.

Qualifications

• Will be able to obtain BPSS level security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related field preferred.
• Proficient in planning tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Excel) and capable of leveraging these tools for efficient project tracking and reporting.
• Strong background in planning, project management, and resource allocation with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to analyse data and project requirements to identify risks and proactively implement solutions. Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with cross‑functional teams, management, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams, providing guidance, and promoting collaboration among team members. Ability to motivate and drive high performance.
• In‑depth knowledge of planning methodologies, project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera), and best practices within the industry.
• Ability to adjust planning strategies and processes in response to changing business needs or unexpected challenges.
• Strong organisational skills with a focus on accuracy, ensuring that all project plans and resources are effectively managed.

Additional Information

• Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
• We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e‑mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.