Lead Planner / Planning Manager - Rail Systems

Matchtech; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech seeks a Lead Planner/Planning Manager for a London based rail systems programme. You will lead a team of 3 Planners, growing to about 8, and oversee planning across design, installation, testing and handover, ensuring programme delivery aligns with contractual requirements.

The role requires strong Primavera P6 expertise, contractor rail experience, and ability to coordinate cross-functional teams. A clear progression path into a more senior role is anticipated as more work is secured.

Qualifications

• Significant planning experience in rail infrastructure.
• Contractor rail sector background.
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary planning team.
• Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning software.
• Strong Excel skills with lookups and data manipulation.
• Experience handling cost- and resource-loaded programmes.
• NVQ or HNC in engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all planning activities across the project, supporting design, installation, testing, handover and project close-out.
• Maintain the cost- and resource-loaded programme, including updates to the established 40,000-activity programme.
• Prepare, manage and issue Clause 32 programmes, progress updates and comprehensive programme narratives in line with contractual requirements.
• Coordinate monthly programme reviews covering delivery, resource utilisation, cost, revenue and target cost performance.
• Manage programme communications through CEMAR, address client comments and ensure revised programmes and associated deliverables are submitted on time.
• Work closely with design, commercial, procurement, quality, assurance and operations teams to track deliverables and assess their impact on procurement, installation, testing, completion and cost.
• Maintain four-week look-ahead programmes and weekly reporting in agreed formats, integrating site progress and daily shift reports into the overall programme.
• Lead the planning team, support recruitment and development, carry out Clause 62 impact assessments, identify project risks and provide planning support across wider projects when required.

Skills

Primavera P6

Planning software

Excel (advanced)

Team leadership

Contract management

Education

NVQ or HNC in engineering

Tools

CEMAR

Job description

Lead Planner / Planning Manager level professional with experience of managing teams on rail projects within a contractor environment, required for a London based permanent position. This is a challenging but highly rewarding opportunity which will see you lead and inspire a team of 3 Planners on a major systems programme. As the project continues the team will grow to around 8 with high potential that this position will develop into a more senior role once additional secured projects start.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all planning activities across the project, supporting design, installation, testing, handover and project close-out.
• Maintain the cost- and resource-loaded programme, including updates to the established 40,000-activity programme.
• Prepare, manage and issue Clause 32 programmes, progress updates and comprehensive programme narratives in line with contractual requirements.
• Coordinate monthly programme reviews covering delivery, resource utilisation, cost, revenue and target cost performance.
• Manage programme communications through CEMAR, address client comments and ensure revised programmes and associated deliverables are submitted on time.
• Work closely with design, commercial, procurement, quality, assurance and operations teams to track deliverables and assess their impact on procurement, installation, testing, completion and cost.
• Maintain four-week look-ahead programmes and weekly reporting in agreed formats, integrating site progress and daily shift reports into the overall programme.
• Lead the planning team, support recruitment and development, carry out Clause 62 impact assessments, identify project risks and provide planning support across wider projects when required.

Job Requirements:

• Significant planning experience within a rail, infrastructure, utilities or civil engineering environment.
• Previous contractor experience in the rail sector, ideally supporting complex design and construction projects.
• Experience leading and managing a multidisciplinary planning team.
• Strong project planning capability, with advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and other planning software.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including lookups and the manipulation of programme and project controls data.
• Experience managing cost- and resource-loaded programmes, progress reporting, programme narratives and contractual deliverables.
• Understanding of Clause 32, Clause 62, compensation events, change control and CEMAR processes.
• NVQ or HNC qualification in engineering, or an equivalent relevant qualification, together with strong communication, organisation and analytical skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Planner or Planning Manager to play a key role in the successful delivery of a major rail infrastructure project.