Planning Manager

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in electrification is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to oversee project planning and scheduling for complex energy projects. This role involves leading a team, ensuring timely project delivery, and implementing best practices in planning methodologies. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in project planning within the energy sector, expertise in Primavera P6, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including generous holidays and a strong company pension.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Generous bonus scheme

25 days of holidays, plus bank holidays

Excellent company pension

Wide-ranging benefits schemes

Comprehensive training and personal development programmes

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in project planning and scheduling within the energy sector.
• Proven leadership experience managing a planning team.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies including Waterfall and Agile.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of project planners and schedulers.
• Oversee development and maintenance of project schedules.
• Conduct regular portfolio planning reviews and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Project planning

Team management

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PSP)

Tools

Primavera P6

Power BI

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Planning Manager to lead our team of planning and scheduling professionals. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of complex energy projects, overseeing the development and maintenance of project schedules, and driving best practices in planning methodologies.

At Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy in Europe (HBUEU), inclusion drives our culture of innovation and collaboration. Our leading technology and strong market position enable us to achieve growth targets in the energy transition across current and growing market segments such as hydrogen, data centers and e‑mobility. Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future through innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project planners and schedulers, fostering a collaborative high‑performing environment.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive project schedules for the GPQS UK portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives, scope, and resource availability.
• Ensure all project and company procedures are applied with respect to planning; establish and enforce best practices for project planning and scheduling, including the use of advanced planning software such as Primavera P6 and reporting through Power BI.
• Collaborate closely with planners, project managers, engineering leads, and other stakeholders to integrate project plans, identify critical paths, and manage dependencies.
• Conduct regular portfolio planning reviews, identify potential delays, and proactively develop mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Analyze schedule performance, prepare progress reports, and communicate project status to senior management and clients.
• Ensure resource‑loaded schedules are accurately maintained and provide input for resource forecasting and allocation.
• Develop and implement robust risk management strategies related to project schedules.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning and scheduling processes and tools within the organization.
• Participate in tender and bid processes, providing expert input on project scheduling and execution strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field), Construction Management, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Extensive proven experience (typically 8+ years) in project planning and scheduling within the energy sector.
• Demonstrable experience in a leadership or senior role, managing and mentoring a team of planning professionals.
• Expert proficiency in project planning and scheduling software, particularly Primavera P6.
• Strong understanding of various project delivery methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile) and their application in complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify critical path items and develop effective mitigation plans.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels of an organization and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• A strong commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of project execution.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PSP, PMI‑SP) are highly desirable; commitment to completing the Hitachi functional competence assessment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Generous bonus scheme
• 25 days of holidays, plus bank holidays
• Excellent company pension and wide‑ranging benefits schemes
• Top quality H&S culture alongside comprehensive training and personal development programmes
• Inclusive work environment that fosters diversity and belonging