Lead Project Planner

TEC Partners; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major infrastructure firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Lead Project Planner to join a significant rail upgrade programme. The role involves leading planning activities, mentoring teams, and simplifying complex information for stakeholders. Candidates should have proven experience in planning and scheduling significant construction projects, strong communication skills, and ideally, a background in the rail industry. The position offers a flexible working arrangement based in Manchester or York.

Benefits

12-month contract with possible extension

Flexible working arrangement

Attractive day rate

Qualifications

• Experience with rail industry planning processes and systems is desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of UK rail industry practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and scheduling activities across the major infrastructure programme.
• Provide clear planning and scheduling outputs to stakeholders.
• Support and mentor planning teams in capability development.
• Simplify complex programme information for reporting purposes.
• Ensure schedules align with access principles and operational requirements.
• Work closely with stakeholders for effective project delivery.

Skills

Strong communication and leadership skills

Proven experience in planning, scheduling and delivery of major construction or engineering projects

Proficiency in proprietary planning and scheduling software tools

Understanding of railway or complex infrastructure design and delivery principles

Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and resource planning

Membership of a relevant professional body, or evidence of CPD towards membership

Education

Educated to A-level standard (or equivalent) in mathematics, IT or a related field

Job description

Lead Project Planner

Location : Manchester or York (3 days per week on-site, remainder flexible)

Contract Length : 12 months

Day Rate : Up to £ (Inside IR35)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Project Planner to join a major infrastructure programme that is transforming rail services across the North of England. This is an opportunity to play a key role in one of the UK's largest rail upgrade programmes, helping to deliver complex engineering projects that will bring long‑term benefits to passengers and freight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and scheduling activities across a major infrastructure programme
• Provide clear planning and scheduling outputs to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Support and mentor planning teams, developing capability across the function
• Simplify complex and detailed programme information for reporting purposes
• Ensure schedules align with access principles and operational requirements
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Proven experience in planning, scheduling and delivery of major construction or engineering projects
• Proficiency in proprietary planning and scheduling software tools
• Understanding of railway or complex infrastructure design and delivery principles
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and resource planning
• Membership of a relevant professional body, or evidence of CPD towards membership

Desirable

• Experience with rail industry planning processes and systems
• Knowledge of UK rail industry practices
• Educated to A-level standard (or equivalent) in mathematics, IT or a related field

What’s on Offer

• 12‑month contract with the possibility of extension
• Day rate up to £ (Inside IR35)
• Flexible working, with a requirement for a minimum of 3 days per week on‑site in Manchester or York

Application Deadline : 29th September

How to Apply

Submit your CV as soon as possible to be considered. Early applications are encouraged as the role may close once sufficient candidates have been identified.