Planning Manager

Coleman James; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coleman James is seeking an experienced Planning Manager/Lead to drive the development, implementation and management of robust project planning and scheduling frameworks across complex MEP building services projects.

You’ll lead a planning team and report to the Regional MD, ensuring programmes are accurate, controlled, and aligned with contract requirements, supporting delivery across time, cost and quality objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in project planning within UK building services / MEP environments.
• Experience with NEC contracts and EOT/delay analysis.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficient in Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project programmes (Level 1-4) across MEP projects.
• Integrate design, procurement, construction, and commissioning into master schedules.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and produce regular reports and look-ahead plans.
• Manage change control and support EWNs and Compensation Events.
• Lead delay analysis and support EOT claims with commercial teams.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and subcontractors to align delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners across multiple projects.
• Support bids and tenders with programme development and planning expertise.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Forecasting / reporting

Education

Degree in Engineering/Construction/PM

Tools

Primavera P6

Asta Powerproject

MS Excel

Job description

We are working with a top-ranking Tier 1 National MEP contractor who are seeking an experienced Planning Manager/ Lead to be based out of the North West, who will drive the development, implementation and management of robust project planning and scheduling frameworks across complex building services projects.

This position will cover various projects across large scale healthcare, commercial, MOJ and Data Centres valued from £10m - £100m M&E across the North West region as well as West Midlands. You will report directly into the Regional MD and be supported by an established planning team.

You’ll be working within a multi-disciplinary environment, ensure project programmes are accurate, controlled, and aligned with contractual requirements—supporting successful delivery across time, cost, and quality objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain project programmes (Level 1-4) across MEP projects
• Integrate design, procurement, construction, and commissioning into master schedules
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and produce regular reports and look-ahead plans
• Manage change control and support EWNs and Compensation Events
• Lead delay analysis and support EOT claims with commercial/legal teams
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and subcontractors to align delivery
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners across multiple projects
• Support bids and tenders with programme development and planning expertise

What You Will Bring

• Proven expertise in project planning within UK building services / MEP / M&E environments
• Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject
• Solid understanding of NEC contracts, including programme and time management
• Experience producing and defending Extension of Time (EOT) claims and delay analysis
• Ability to translate complex programme data into clear insights for stakeholders
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

This is a fantastic opportunity which offers a strong family feel culture, long term progression and exposure to exciting & challenging MEP projects across the Northern region!