Strategic Lead Planner - Civil Infrastructure

Balfour Beatty; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Smart working

25 days annual leave

Pension plan

Share incentive plan

Job summary

Balfour Beatty is seeking an experienced Lead Planner in the Exeter region to shape the delivery of diverse civil engineering projects. You will drive detailed programmes, guide tender and pre-construction activity, and partner with project teams to ensure robust planning from start to finish.

The role requires leadership, strong planning software skills (Primavera P6), and a proactive approach to risk management. Hybrid working with some on‑site requirements is available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Planning Manager or Senior Planner in civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with proactive risk management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of detailed project programmes across multiple civil engineering schemes.
• Provide strategic planning support during tender and pre-construction stages.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain programme targets.
• Work closely with delivery teams to align planning, design and construction activities.
• Analyse programme performance and prepare reports for senior management and clients.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning standards, processes and tools across the regional civils team.
• Mentor and support junior planners to develop a high‑performing planning function.

Skills

Planning leadership

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering / Construction / Project management qualification

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Balfour Beatty is seeking an experienced Lead Planner in the Exeter region to shape the delivery of diverse civil engineering projects. You will drive detailed programmes, guide tender and pre-construction activity, and partner with project teams to ensure robust planning from start to finish.

The role requires leadership, strong planning software skills (Primavera P6), and a proactive approach to risk management. Hybrid working with some on‑site requirements is available.