Leading independent cost and project management consultancy seeks to secure the services Senior Planning Manager who has extensive experience of working on major rail infrastructure (ideally Underground) capital programmes (track, signalling, stations, civils etc).

This is a contract opportunity paying up to £550 per day outside IR35 however, candidates who would prefer a permanent position will also be considered.

As Senior Planning Manager you will be responsible for ensuring the successful management of major infrastructure programmes by delivering timely reliable time schedule data. The Senior Planning Manager is responsible for leading the Project Management Unit (PMU) Planning function by providing direction, guidance and management of the embedded planning resources to ensure competent and consistent use of standard processes, systems and tools and quality of all planning deliverables and associated performance analysis. There will be a continued focus on continuous improvement in all Planning functionality. The role will support the Planning Functional Manager, Resource Manager, Portfolio and Resourcing Lead and Delivery Directors to strategically plan recruitment, deployment and capability development of planning resource. They also support the Programme Management Office (PMO) Planning Professional Manager with career management of Planning resource in the business unit.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Planning team to provide planning support for all aspects of project planning including ensuring consistent and competent monitoring, recording and analysis of performance against baseline and the change control process.
• Development and implementation of a business strategy that identifies and embeds planning lessons learned. Establish and maintain a highly motivated programme planning team.
• Management of the implementation of planning work processes and procedures in accordance with Pathway and otherwise approved deviations.
• Assess and determine need for change to planning processes and methods and implement changes to deliver improved performance.
• Assess contractual schedules and compensation events to support the business in schedule related commercial aspects.
• Analyse, review and highlight critical time schedule issues and ensure viable resolution plans are in place. Identify and analyse performance across a programme of critical path projects.
• Conduct Project Controls orientation/training sessions for Programme team(s) and assist Senior management with the interpretation of periodic time schedule/cost reports. Provision of on-going training for those in the business unit planning pool to manage capability assessment/development. Collation of best practice intelligence from both external and internal sources to be shared with central areas/business unit.

To be considered for the role candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of and understanding of capital projects and programmes with an emphasis on Planning & benchmarking and how this supports and integrates with a wider high functioning environment.
• Extensive knowledge of PPM Systems and Tools especially in regard to the Planning discipline. Knowledge of the professional disciplines of programme and project management in the context of complex capital projects preferable.
• Knowledge of different Commercial arrangements, NEC contractual obligations and their impact of project controls management with an emphasis on Planning metholdogy.
• Expert knowledge in Critical Path Method (CPM) planning techniques. Expert knowledge in Earned Value Management methodology.
• Domain knowledge of the planning, design and construction activities undertaken across a variety of project areas. Namely track, signalling, stations, civils or surface projects. Awareness of safety issues in an operational environment.

To apply is easy, contact Oli for more info or just simply apply online