Assosicate Director - (Lead Planner)

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure development firm in Plymouth is seeking a Planning Lead to oversee a team in developing detailed schedules for interlinked infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in infrastructure planning and expertise in Primavera P6. Strong client-facing skills and the ability to work in a high-stakes defense environment are essential. This role is part of a major £1bn+ submarine waterfront infrastructure programme.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in infrastructure or construction planning is essential.
• Expert capability in Primavera P6 required.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems such as IFS or SAP is needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Planning Specialists to develop and control schedules.
• Ensure accurate material planning, sequencing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Collaborate with Delivery Managers and project controls functions.

Skills

Significant recent experience in infrastructure or construction planning

Expert Primavera P6 capability

Strong ERP knowledge (IFS/SAP)

Experience across multiple projects and lifecycle phases

Understanding of construction/manufacturing through to commissioning

Education

ONC in a construction or engineering discipline

Professional qualifications such as APM, ACostE, RICS (or equivalent)

APM PPQ (or willingness to achieve within 12 months)

APM Planning & Controls Practitioner, EVM Practitioner

APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)

APM Risk Management Level 2

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a leading organisation delivering some of the most complex and high-value infrastructure programmes in the UK. Their purpose is to push the boundaries of ambition‑creating responsible, resilient, and future‑ready places that drive positive transformation for people, communities, and wider society.

They combine deep technical expertise with exceptional project delivery capability to unlock the full potential of every programme they support.

The Project

This role supports a major multi-year infrastructure upgrade within Basin at HMNB Devonport, a critical waterfront area reserved for active Royal Navy nuclear submarines undergoing or awaiting maintenance and deep refit.

Key programme characteristics:

• Supports Vanguard-class and Astute-class submarines, and will be adapted to enable future Dreadnought-class operations.
• Part of a £1bn+ Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Programme to modernise facilities and meet stringent nuclear safety standards.
• Recent activity includes the HMS Victorious LIFEX programme, which began afloat in 5 Basin before moving to 9 Dock.
• Decommissioned submarines are berthed in 3 Basin, not 5 Basin.
• This is one of the most complex and high‑security infrastructure missions currently underway in the UK.

The Role - Planning Lead

You will lead a team of Planning Specialists to develop, maintain, and control detailed Level 4/5 schedules that underpin operational delivery across a programme of interlinked infrastructure projects. You'll work closely with Delivery Managers and wider engineering, commercial, and project controls functions to ensure accurate material planning, sequencing, budgeting, and progress reporting.

A strong client‑facing presence and the ability to thrive in a high‑stakes, fast‑moving defence environment are essential.

What You’ll Need

Essential

• Significant recent experience in infrastructure or construction planning.
• Expert Primavera P6 capability.
• Strong ERP knowledge (IFS/SAP).
• Experience across multiple projects and lifecycle phases.
• Understanding of construction/manufacturing through to commissioning.

Desirable

• ONC (minimum) in a construction or engineering discipline.
• Professional qualifications such as APM, ACostE, RICS (or equivalent).
• APM PPQ (or willingness to achieve within 12 months).
• APM Planning & Controls Practitioner, EVM Practitioner.
• APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).
• APM Risk Management Level 2.

If you think that this is the job for you, please apply with your latest CV.