Planning Manager

DITL Group; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a Planning Manager to lead project schedules for major infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include overseeing planners, ensuring safety practices, and establishing programme controls. Candidates should have strong skills in Oracle Primavera P6 and a track record of developing complex schedules. This role offers significant influence over project outcomes and opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of construction planning methodologies and visual communication.
• Proficient in Oracle Primavera P6 and QSRA.
• Ability to produce clear presentations and narratives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee team of planners to produce compliant project schedules.
• Ensure all programmes incorporate safe working practices.
• Monitor progress and support commercial teams with accurate data.

Skills

Ability to mentor junior planners

Understanding of construction planning methodologies

Proactive problem-solving

Tools

Oracle Primavera P6

BIM

Job description

Ipswich

Salary: £85,000 + car allowance

A Planning Manager is required to lead the development, coordination, and oversight of project schedules for a major infrastructure environment. This role centres on creating reliable tender and delivery programmes, ensuring they follow contractual requirements and reflect the most efficient and buildable sequence of work. The Planning Manager will also be responsible for establishing programme controls, monitoring progress, and supporting commercial and project teams with accurate performance data.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of planners to produce compliant project schedules, updates, and associated reporting.
• Ensure all programmes incorporate safe working practices, realistic construction durations, and the necessary safety documentation.
• Identify programme risks, apply appropriate time-risk allowances, and contribute to the wider risk and opportunity register.
• Present sequencing and methodology to the delivery team using visual tools such as phasing diagrams and staged construction layouts.
• Support the assessment of temporary works options from a planning and sequencing perspective.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to validate proposed methods and ensure alignment with programme requirements.
• Assist commercial colleagues by reviewing supply chain proposals that influence programme logic or durations.
• Define key resource requirements and ensure resource levels are reflected accurately within the schedule.
• Investigate planning challenges and propose alternative approaches to maintain programme integrity.
• Produce clear programme narratives to accompany formal submissions.
• Set up and manage programme monitoring systems, including Earned Value Analysis, to meet client and internal reporting needs.
• Contribute to organisational sustainability goals by embedding carbon-aware planning practices into day‑to‑day activities.

Person Requirements

• Ability to mentor and support junior and graduate planners in software use, planning techniques, and sequencing logic.
• Strong understanding of construction planning methodologies and visual communication of programme information.
• Working knowledge of BIM and its value within programme development.
• Proactive problem‑solver with the ability to research issues and propose alternative solutions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and participation in knowledge‑sharing activities.
• Awareness of sustainability and carbon‑reduction principles within planning and delivery.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Proficient user of Oracle Primavera P6 (essential).
• Experience running Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA).
• Skilled in programme integrity checking and validation.
• Proven track record of developing and monitoring complex schedules on multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Understanding of M&E sequencing is beneficial.
• Ability to establish systems for short‑term planning and look‑ahead schedules.
• Capable of producing clear presentations and narratives to explain programme logic.

This opportunity is ideal for a Planning Manager who enjoys leading teams, shaping delivery strategy, and driving programme certainty on complex infrastructure schemes. If you are an experienced Planning Manager seeking a long‑term role with significant influence over project outcomes, this position offers a strong platform for progression.

If you are interested in this role, have any quesitons or wish to apply, then please send us a copy of your CV.

Rob Utilise Recruitment