Head of Planning
Manchester | Infrastructure Projects | Hybrid andamp; Flexible Working
The Head of Planning Role
Weandrsquo;re looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead and develop our planning capability at Walker Sime.
This is a senior opportunity to take ownership of the planning function, working across major construction and infrastructure projects while helping shape how the service develops and grows.
Youandrsquo;ll combine technical planning expertise with leadership, client engagement and commercial awareness. As well as supporting the successful delivery of projects, youandrsquo;ll develop our planning team, build strong relationships with clients and play an active role in identifying and securing new opportunities.
For someone looking for a role with genuine influence, this is an opportunity to shape a service, develop people and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.
About Walker Sime
Walker Sime is a construction consultancy providing specialist services across major construction and infrastructure projects.
As part of HanmiGlobal, we combine our established UK expertise with the backing of an international organisation. Weandrsquo;re focused on providing high-quality technical advice to our clients while creating an environment where our people can develop, take on responsibility and build their careers.
Responsibilities
As Head of Planning, youandrsquo;ll take responsibility for the technical leadership, development and growth of our planning capability.
You will:
- Lead the planning function, providing technical leadership and direction across projects.
- Oversee the development, review and maintenance of robust project programmes.
- Provide senior planning input on complex projects, supporting project teams and clients with clear, practical advice.
- Review programme performance, including critical path, float, progress, constraints, risks and emerging delays.
- Provide clear programme reporting and forecasting to support effective project decision-making.
- Support teams in developing mitigation and recovery strategies where programmes move off track.
- Work collaboratively with project, commercial, design, procurement and construction teams to ensure programmes reflect project delivery.
- Provide planning input into programme change and delay matters where required.
- Develop consistent planning standards, processes and ways of working across the business.
- Lead, mentor and develop planners, helping build capability and create progression opportunities within the team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Identify opportunities to expand our planning services with existing clients and into new projects.
- Play an active role in business development, including client meetings, proposals, tenders and pitches.
- Work with colleagues across Walker Sime to identify opportunities where planning can complement our wider consultancy services.
- Support the development of the planning pipeline and contribute to the sustainable growth of the service.
Head of Planningandnbsp;Requirements
Essential
- Significant experience in planning or project controls within construction, infrastructure or major projects.
- Strong technical understanding of project planning, including programme development, baselines, critical path, float, progress measurement, forecasting and recovery planning.
- Experience of contributing to business development, including building client relationships, identifying new opportunities and supporting the growth of planning services.
- Experience providing senior planning advice to project teams and clients.
- The ability to interrogate complex programmes and communicate the key issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to constructively challenge and influence at senior level.
- Experience leading, mentoring or developing other planning professionals.
- A commercial mindset and the ability to build credible, long-term client relationships.
- An interest in helping develop and grow a planning service, alongside delivering high-quality technical work.
Preferred
- Experience with Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.
- Experience working with NEC contracts and associated programme requirements.
- Experience providing planning input into change, delay or compensation event assessments.
- Previous involvement in bids, tenders, proposals or winning new work.
- Experience across major infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, data centre or complex construction projects.
Interested?
If youandrsquo;re an experienced planning professional looking for a senior role where you can combine technical leadership, client relationships, team development and business growth, weandrsquo;d like to hear from you.
Apply directly or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.