Planning Lead

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Major Projects PMO Planning Lead to drive strategic planning and scheduling across a portfolio of high-profile projects. You will lead a team of planners, collaborate with project managers, engineers, procurement, and external stakeholders to optimise delivery and value throughout the project lifecycle.

This leadership role requires robust governance, expert Primavera P6 knowledge, and a track record of delivering complex infrastructure programmes with disciplined

Qualifications

• Experience leading PMO planning within large infrastructure projects.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team development capabilities.
• Expert knowledge of Primavera P6 and scheduling governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for programme planning for major projects.
• Expert in Primavera P6 administration and super-user level.
• Establish and maintain an integrated portfolio schedule with governance.
• Oversee preparation, maintenance and analysis of project schedules, including critical path and what-if planning.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation to prevent slippage.
• Develop portfolio WBS and manage P6 governance; mentor the planning team.

Skills

PMO planning

Primavera P6

Scheduling governance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Closing Date
2026-09-14

Job Title: Major Projects PMO Planning Lead

Location: Falmer, Brighton hybrid working (2 days in office)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours

Salary: to be discussed at screening stage

About The Role

Our Major Projects team is at the heart of delivering critical infrastructure that shapes the future of our business. As the PMO Planning Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving strategic planning and scheduling across a portfolio of high-profile projects. This is a leadership position where your expertise will ensure robust schedules, governance, and delivery excellence. You’ll lead a talented team of planners and work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and external stakeholders to optimise efficiency and value throughout the project lifecycle.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Provide strategic leadership for all programme planning and scheduling activities across major projects.
• Expert in Primavera P6 (administration and super-user level).
• Establish and maintain an integrated portfolio-level schedule, ensuring robust governance and baseline control.
• Oversee preparation, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules, including critical path and what-if scenario planning.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies to prevent schedule slippage.
• Develop and establish a portfolio Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Responsible for managing and maintaining P6 governance (access rights, global codes, calendars, layouts, etc). Lead and mentor a high-performing planning team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Additional Requirements Specific To The Role

• Familiarity with NEC contract planning clauses and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Represent the PMO at executive boards, articulating schedule performance, risks, and mitigations

Essential

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Proven experience leading PMO planning within large-scale infrastructure or capital programmes.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.
• Expert knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning governance processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as PMI-SP, AMP, or PRINCE2.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule assurance techniques (e.g., DCMA 14-point assessment).

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional Information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.