Senior Planning Manager - Energy & Utilities

Mace; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our role in the energy sector focuses on delivering complex projects, improving safety, efficiency and productivity on major programmes.

This hybrid UK role covers project controls, planning and scheduling, and governance across client and contractor teams, with ad-hoc travel.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience with project controls/planning on large complex projects.
• Knowledge of bottom‑up construction programme planning.
• Membership or demonstrable development in professional bodies (APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA).

Responsibilities

• Managing safe, high‑quality and compliant project delivery, promoting wellbeing and HSE standards.
• Driving performance through effective planning, scheduling and monitoring.
• Supporting strategic governance and decision‑making across functions.
• Fostering collaboration and strong stakeholder relationships across teams.
• Managing planning, scheduling and project controls using recognised methodologies.
• Providing clear analysis, advice and corrective actions to stakeholders and clients.
• Developing a high‑performing planning team and influencing client outcomes.

Skills

Project controls

Planning & scheduling

Stakeholder management

Governance

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

Primavera

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

In the energy sector, the UK will need to invest up to £900 billion of capital expenditure to enable a net zero economy by 2050. For our clients in the sector, this means delivering complex projects and programmes delivering low‑carbon technologies and infrastructure. And doing so safely, efficiently, and at pace.

Decarbonisation of energy is currently constrained by the capacity of, and connection to, the electricity network. This role will be at the forefront of this, contributing to the delivery of construction projects increasing capacity on the network, and connecting new generation and storage into the grid. Working closely with client and contractor teams, you will manage and drive project controls activities on major projects and programmes. This may include the set‑up of project controls functions, delivery of day‑to‑day services, and continuous improvement of existing operations to enable greater productivity and performance across the portfolio.

Please note:

This is a hybrid role, open to candidates across the UK with ad-hoc travel.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Managing safe, high‑quality and compliant project delivery, promoting wellbeing, inclusion and strong HSE standards.
• Driving performance across key assignments, ensuring effective planning, scheduling and monitoring aligned with business objectives.
• Supporting strategic development, governance and responsible decision‑making across functions and business units.
• Fostering collaboration, knowledge‑sharing and strong stakeholder relationships to enable people and projects to excel.
• Managing effective planning, scheduling and project controls, applying recognised methodologies and tools.
• Providing clear analysis, advice and corrective actions to stakeholders and clients.
• Managing and developing a high‑performing planning team, influencing client decisions and outcomes.

You’ll Need To Have

• Relevant experience, appropriate degree, technical qualifications with significant experience in Project Controls/Planning and Scheduling/Programme Delivery on large complex projects and programmes.
• Good knowledge of design and build techniques, methods and durations, with ability to plan and schedule detailed bottom‑up construction programmes.
• Good knowledge and experience with Primavera.
• Membership of APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well

We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise

We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing

We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel

We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.