Regional Head of Planning

SES Engineering Services; London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Engineering Services is seeking a Regional Head of Planning to lead strategic planning initiatives for mechanical and electrical projects in London. The role involves managing a high-performing team, overseeing project planning, and driving continuous improvement in planning methods. Competitive salary and extensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary & profit share

Travel coverage to any site

Extensive benefits including Private Medical

26 days holiday plus your birthday off

Industry-leading family leave benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing planning teams.
• Deep expertise in project programming, delay analysis, and progress tracking.
• Strong understanding of construction methods and planning techniques.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing planning operations and training for surveyors.
• Reviewing project documentation and ensuring compliance with risk management.
• Building client relationships and mentoring the planning team.

Skills

Leadership

Project programming

Delay analysis

Progress tracking

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Primavera P6

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is a permanent, full-time, flexible working vacancy that will close in 19 days at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy

Are you a seasoned planning professional ready to lead strategic planning initiatives at a regional level? SES Engineering Services is seeking an experienced Regional Head of Planning to play a pivotal role in delivering critical mechanical and electrical projects, while developing a high-performing team of planning professionals.

About the Role

As the Regional Head of Planning, you will take full ownership of planning operations across the business unit. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will collaborate with Commercial and Operations Directors to ensure robust project planning, progress reporting, and programme control from pre-construction through delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing all pre-contract documentation and contract/sub-contract documents, negotiating with customers and contractors to ensure equitable agreements.
• Overseeing training for surveyors in the region, including responsibility for student surveyors’ training and support.
• Providing detailed updates on all ongoing contracts and final accounts, reporting potential difficulties to the Commercial Director.
• Ensuring compliance with risk management procedures within the region.
• Monitoring work-in-progress on contracts, assisting with cash collection, and maintaining positive cash flow.
• Visiting sites regularly and liaising with industry counterparts.
• Reviewing and approving programme submissions and progress reports.
• Contributing planning input for major bids and supporting delivery strategy development.
• Driving continuous improvement in planning tools, methods, and training.
• Building and maintaining internal and client relationships, providing planning guidance and strategic insights.
• Mentoring and developing the planning team to meet high professional standards.

To succeed, you should have proven leadership experience managing planning teams, supporting regional commercial and operational activities, and deep expertise in project programming, delay analysis, EOT submissions, and progress tracking. A strong understanding of construction methods, building services, and 4D planning techniques is essential. Proficiency in Asta Powerproject, Primavera P6, and Microsoft Office is required, along with knowledge of contract types like NEC, JCT, and bespoke agreements. You should be a strategic thinker, confident communicator, collaborative, analytical, and solution-oriented, with a passion for mentoring teams and driving performance. Additionally, you will champion SHEQ standards, leading by example to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performing site culture.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & profit share
• Travel coverage to any site (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
• Extensive benefits including Private Medical, 6% employer pension contribution, Health and Wellness programs, 26 days holiday plus your birthday off, bank holidays, and more
• Opportunities for learning and career development
• Industry-leading family leave benefits, including 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 12 weeks fully paid paternity leave

Working at SES

SES Engineering Services is recognized as a leading M&E partner in the UK, specializing in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions. Our purpose is 'reimagining places for people to thrive,' guided by our promises of thriving places, a thriving planet, and thriving people.

We are proud to be recognized as a Gold Investors in People and a Disability Confident employer, committed to fair recruitment practices regardless of background.