Planning Manager - Leeds

Balfour Beatty; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Planning Manager based in Leeds to oversee the strategic planning of substation projects. The role entails driving efficiency and project success through effective planning strategies and resource management. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience managing construction projects, strong leadership skills, and a good understanding of project management tools. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic environment that supports the UK's energy infrastructure transformation.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus opportunities

25 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Up to 7% employer pension contribution

Professional fees paid + chartership pathways

Smart working with up to 40% remote flexibility

Life assurance and family-friendly policies

Volunteering opportunities

Access to training and qualifications

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning and managing complex construction projects.
• Previous experience in managing relationships with clients and subcontractors.
• Extensive understanding of budgeting and cost estimation related to planning.

Responsibilities

• Identify planning scope and major constraints for projects.
• Lead collaborative development of Tender Programmes with the planning team.
• Oversee contract guidance and maintain alignment with project goals.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and contract issues effectively.
• Provide leadership to junior planners, promoting professional growth.

Skills

Analytical and problem solving

Excellent understanding and management of data and processes

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation and Conflict resolution

Leadership and Mentorship

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Excel

ASTA

Job description

About the role

Balfour Beatty Power T&D is recruiting for a Planning Manager to lead the strategic planning and scheduling of multiple construction projects, ensuring alignment with organisational goals. The role focuses on optimising project timelines, resource allocation, and coordination across a portfolio of substation projects.

The Planning Manager will drive efficiency, implement best practices, and guide the planning team to achieve successful project outcomes. The successful candidate will also have previous experience managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ideal location: Leeds
Project portfolio: Substations

What you'll be doing

• Expert in identifying planning scope, major constraints, and contract requirements alongside identifying major quantities and factors affecting the programme.
• Tender: Lead the collaborative development and agreement on a logical sequence and methodology, overseeing the planning team. Ensure the adoption of the most efficient design, procurement, and construction strategy for the successful delivery of the works.
• Lead planning processes, overseeing the development of key deliverables such as programs, planning philosophy, presentations, and reports. Guide planners in formulating Tender Programmes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Drive effective planning strategies to achieve project success.
• Contract: Offer strategic guidance throughout the contract stage, overseeing the Senior Planner and planning team in producing, managing, and maintaining the Contract Programme. Ensure meticulous alignment with planning procedures and actively contribute to the project's overall success under the leadership of the Planning/Project Lead.
• Displaying and evaluating the project critical path, advising the project team of the results and any appropriate corrective action alongside producing and maintaining project baselines, and execute the change control process as appropriate.
• Resource Management: Expertise in managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently to meet project objectives while minimizing costs and delays.
• Contract Management: Manage contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, monitoring performance, and resolving contract-related issues.
• Data Analysis: Aid the planning team to produce project data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify deviations, and make data-driven decisions for project improvement.
• Training and Development: Provide leadership and mentorship to less experienced planners and personnel, fostering their professional growth and competence.

Who we're looking for

Skills

• Analytical and problem solving
• Excellent understanding and management of data and processes
• Excellent communication skills
• Negotiation and Conflict resolution
• Leadership and Mentorship

Knowledge

• Proficient competence in project management tools and software like Excel, MS Project, Primavera P6 or ASTA.
• Extensive understanding of construction project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Expert in project scheduling and planning, including the ability to develop and manage complex project schedules using industry-standard tools.
• Expert in Risk Management in project programmes: TRA, QSRA, etc.
• Understanding of financial aspects related to project planning, including budgeting, cost estimation, Earned Value Management, and analysis to support effective decision-making.

Experience

• Significant experience in successfully planning and managing a variety of construction projects, including large‑scale and complex.
• Substantial experience in leading and managing planning resources for construction projects, highlighting a track record of successful project delivery.
• Previous experience in managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Why work for us

Join a team at the forefront of shaping the UK's energy infrastructure. At Balfour Beatty Power T&D, you'll work on industry-leading projects that support the transition to a greener, more resilient power network, with the opportunity to grow your career in a high‑performing and supportive environment.

What we offer

• Competitive salary + bonus opportunities
• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution
• Professional fees paid + chartership pathways
• Smart working with up to 40% remote flexibility
• Life assurance, EAP, and family‑friendly policies
• Volunteering opportunities to make a real impact
• Access to industry‑leading training and qualifications

About us

Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to deliver technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid—including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From scoping and feasibility through to design, construction and ongoing maintenance, our in‑house expertise, flexible resources and industry‑leading innovations support customers in delivering some of the UK's most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we believe diversity and inclusion are essential to building a successful and fulfilling workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, regardless of their identity or background. Learn more at: www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

To support our commitment to an inclusive culture, we are proud members of WISE, ENEI, the Business Disability Forum, and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable, long‑term actions on Black inclusion. We are also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities and long‑term health conditions. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum requirements for the role. More information: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We continually strive to improve our recruitment process to ensure it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have feedback on the process, please contact us at [e-mail]