Job Purpose

To ensure successful management of major infrastructure programmes for TfL to meet the needs of its customers 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 accountabilities

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.
Plan and manage complex multi-project programme time schedules to ensure delivery of intended TfL business benefits.
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.
Accountable for driving and leading a positive safety culture within TfL projects and ensuring their team is invested in managing and improving HSE performance.
Demonstrate leadership in equality of opportunity, social inclusion, fair employment and environmental sustainability, creating open, inclusive and engaging environment within TfL and across stakeholders, customers and supply chain.

Knowledge

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 majority of TfL project areas. Namely track, signalling, stations, civils or surface projects.
Awareness of safety issues in an operational environment.

Skills

Strong leadership and influencing skills to manage and motivate teams and embed Planning methodology and process in support of delivery of high risk, value and complex project and programmes. Analysis of complex data to draw conclusions and produce reports.
Specific technical skills include:

Project Management (Level 3); Project / Programme Office (Level 3);
Analysing and Interpreting data (Level 4); Stakeholder Management (Level 4);
Planning (Level 4); Schedule Risk Analysis (Level 4);
Information Management and Reporting (Level 3); Earned Value Management (Level 3)

Experience

Experience of creating, adapting and monitoring process around Planning in major projects and experience of implementing tools to support changes.
Experience of working in time schedule control in a large, complex, safety focused and regulated organisation(s).
Experience using Primavera, Primavera Enterprise or similar project time scheduling software.
Experience of building relationships with, and influencing a range of people at all levels within / outside the organisation.
Experience building critical path schedules from knowledge and first principles, interviewing and leading workshops with project resources. Experienced in defining and agreeing progress reporting approaches with contractors.
Experience of a complex operating environment including NEC contract management in a project delivery environment.