Strategic Planning Lead: Build & Lead 5–10 Planners

Wates Smartspace; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Advanced Manufacturing in Sunderland is seeking an experienced Managing Planner to take on a leadership role across a demanding portfolio, including a major gigafactory project. Based at Sunderland with travel to sites, you will shape how planning operates, build a team, and set the direction for the function.

You will lead 5–10 Planners, oversee resource allocation across pre-construction, tenders and live projects, and drive governance, sequencing, and performance reporting to ensure

Qualifications

• Extensive planning leadership experience on major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record leading and developing planners teams.
• Strong knowledge of scheduling methods, critical path, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning across the Advanced Manufacturing division and portfolio.
• Mobilise and shape the planning team across pre-construction, tenders and live projects.
• Establish standards, governance and programme assurance.
• Provide strategic planning leadership on projects valued £100m–£1bn.
• Coach and develop planners and drive capability.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Programme governance

Stakeholder management

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Job description

Wates Advanced Manufacturing in Sunderland is seeking an experienced Managing Planner to take on a leadership role across a demanding portfolio, including a major gigafactory project. Based at Sunderland with travel to sites, you will shape how planning operates, build a team, and set the direction for the function.

You will lead 5–10 Planners, oversee resource allocation across pre-construction, tenders and live projects, and drive governance, sequencing, and performance reporting to ensure