Lead Planner

Lead Planner - Highways
Manchester Area
£600-650 per day (Ltd Company)
12-Month Contract
Tier 1 Contractor | Major Infrastructure Project
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Lead Planner to join a Tier 1 contractor delivering a major highways infrastructure project in the Manchester area. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take ownership of the planning function on a high-profile programme, leading a team and driving best practice across project controls.
Highways experience is essential, along with strong Primavera P6 expertise and the ability to lead planning on large, complex civil engineering projects.

As Lead Planner, you will be responsible for the strategic overview of the planning function across the programme, ensuring robust planning, reporting and integration with project controls. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide leadership to the planning team while ensuring programmes remain aligned with business objectives and project delivery requirements.

• Lead the planning function across a major highways programme.
• Provide leadership and direction to the planning team, ensuring successful project delivery.
• Develop and implement the planning resource strategy, supporting recruitment and development of planners.
• Work closely with project controls to ensure programme, cost and financial reporting remain aligned.
• Champion planning best practice, driving continuous improvement across planning standards, tools and processes.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, clients and external stakeholders.
• Ensure project programmes accurately reflect delivery status and support informed decision making.
• Analyse programme performance, identify trends and implement improvements.
• Support strategic stakeholder engagement and contribute to future work-winning activities where required.

• Proven experience as a Lead Planner or Senior Planner on major infrastructure projects.
• Highways experience is essential.
• Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6.
• Strong understanding of project controls, planning, scheduling and programme management.
• Experience leading planning teams within complex engineering or infrastructure environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems and drive programme performance.

Essential

• HNC/HND, degree or equivalent experience in a planning-related discipline.

Desirable

• APM Project Management Qualification.
• APMG Managing Successful Programmes (Foundation).
• APMG International Project Planning and Control Practitioner (or equivalent).
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP).
• Knowledge of Power BI and reporting tools.
• Understanding of relevant Health & Safety legislation.

• £600-650 per day (Ltd Company).
• Initial 12-month contract with strong potential for extension.
• Opportunity to work for a leading Tier 1 contractor.
• Major highways project with long-term programme visibility.
• Immediate start available.

If you're an experienced Lead Planner with a strong highways background and are looking for your next long-term contract, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today with your latest CV.