Planning Manager

Wates Smartspace; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Flexibility where possible

Job summary

Wates is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to influence the delivery of major construction projects across the East Midlands, Yorkshire and North East. The role combines strategic planning and team development to raise planning standards across pre-construction and live delivery.

You will lead planning across multiple projects, identify risks and opportunities, and support bids and pre-construction activities while ensuring robust governance during delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience leading planning on large and complex construction projects.
• Roles such as Planning Manager, Lead Planner or Senior Planner with team coordination.
• Strong track record in programme development, project controls and planning software (Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject).
• Ability to build relationships, communicate with stakeholders and develop others.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning activities across multiple projects with realistic programmes aligned to objectives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and programme efficiencies with clear insight for decision-making.
• Support and develop planning professionals across the region and embed best practice.
• Provide assurance and oversight during delivery to guide client and project outcomes.

Skills

Planning leadership

Programme development

Project controls

Stakeholder management

Risk identification

Tools

Primavera P6

Asta Powerproject

Job description

Are you an experienced planning professional looking to influence the successful delivery of major construction projects across a diverse regional portfolio?

We are looking for a Planning Manager to join our Construction team, supporting projects across the East Midlands, Yorkshire and North East. This is a key leadership role that combines strategic thinking, technical expertise and team development, giving you the opportunity to shape planning excellence across both pre-construction and live project delivery.

Working closely with operational, commercial and design colleagues, you will help create certainty around project outcomes through robust planning, effective programme management and proactive risk identification.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll lead planning activities across multiple projects, ensuring programmes are realistic, achievable and aligned with project objectives from tender stage through to completion.

You'll work with project teams to identify risks, opportunities and programme efficiencies, providing clear insight that supports informed decision-making. A key part of the role will also involve supporting and developing Planning professionals across the region, helping to embed best practice and drive continuous improvement.

You will play an important role in supporting bids and pre-construction activities, while also providing assurance and oversight during project delivery to help ensure successful outcomes for clients and project teams.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced planning professional with a strong track record of leading planning functions on large and complex construction projects.

You may currently be operating as a Planning Manager, Lead Planner or Senior Planner with responsibility for coordinating planning teams and influencing project strategy. You'll bring extensive experience of programme development, project controls and planning software such as Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.

Equally important is your ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and support the development of others. We welcome applications from individuals with different backgrounds and experiences who can demonstrate the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the role.

Why Join Wates?

• Work with experienced and collaborative project teams
• Play a key role in developing planning capability and best practice
• Enjoy excellent opportunities for career development and progression
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible

Our commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]