Planning Manager in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Planning Manager (Major Life Sciences & Laboratory Project)
£85,000 - £100,000 + Car Allowance & Package (DOE)
Oxford
Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Planning Manager looking to lead programme delivery on one of Oxford’s most prestigious, globally backed science and technology campuses?

We are recruiting on behalf of a premier, family-owned Tier-1 UK building and civil engineering contractor with a heritage spanning over 150 years. Renowned for delivering some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and complex infrastructure, our client is looking for a strategic Planning Manager to join their project team in Oxford.

You will take the lead on a fast-paced, high-specification £8 million laboratory project forming part of a flagship, multi-phase research and innovation campus, giving you immediate, hands-on ownership of a technically demanding lab build alongside a substantial long-term pipeline of campus works.

Unlike PLC-driven main contractors, this business has remained proudly family-owned and independent for generations. That independence translates directly into how they operate:

• Long-Term Vision: Decisions are made for the good of the project, the client, and the people—not just the next quarterly shareholder report.

• Technical Pedigree: They are trusted with high-profile, complex schemes across science, healthcare, commercial, and heritage sectors where engineering excellence and collaborative delivery are paramount.

• People-First Culture: Known across the industry for low staff turnover and a genuinely supportive, inclusive environment, they invest heavily in digital innovation, agile working, and long-term career progression.

The Role

As Planning Manager, you will be embedded within the project team in Oxford, taking ownership of the master programme, driving project controls, and providing clear strategic direction to internal teams, supply chain partners, and the client.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programme Management: Develop, maintain, and manage all programmes and production control deliverables from pre-construction through to handover on a fast-track, high-spec laboratory scheme.

• Detailed Planning Outputs: Produce comprehensive phasing diagrams, site logistics plans, S-curves, resource histograms, and plant schedules tailored to complex MEP and cleanroom/laboratory environments.

• Project Controls & Assurance: Implement rigorous forecasting, early warning systems, and KPI tracking. Challenge and validate plans to ensure alignment with project, campus, and regional targets.

• Digital & 4D Innovation: Champion modern planning methodologies, integrating 4D sequencing and digital construction tools to de-risk live campus interfaces.

• Stakeholder & Supply Chain Engagement: Clearly articulate the planning roadmap and critical path to senior leadership, client representatives, and specialist subcontractors.

• Team Leadership & Bid Support: Mentor and develop junior planners on-site, while supporting wider campus frameworks and regional pre-contract tender strategies.

About You

We are looking for a pragmatic, first-principles planner who thrives on technically complex builds, tight interfaces, and collaborative problem-solving.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Proven track record as a Planning Manager or Senior Planner on complex, high-specification construction projects (experience in life sciences, laboratories, cleanrooms, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or intricate MEP fit-outs is highly advantageous).

• Solid understanding of construction methodologies, commissioning sequences, and planning from first principles.

• Advanced proficiency in Asta Powerproject.

• Strong working knowledge of NEC forms of contract (managing compensation events, early warnings, and programme acceptances).

• Natural leadership ability with experience coaching and developing less experienced planners.

Rewards & Benefits

Attracting the best planners in the market requires a package that genuinely supports both your financial goals and your life outside of work.

• Alongside a base salary of £85,000 - £100,000 (DOE), you will receive:

• Car & Travel: Generous annual car allowance or company car/EV scheme.

• Financial & Future: Discretionary annual bonus, competitive matched pension scheme, and life assurance.

• Industry-Leading Family Leave: 26 weeks' paid gender-neutral parental leave for all new parents, plus dedicated paid carer leave.

• Time Off & Flexibility: Enhanced annual leave with a holiday purchase option, access to a unique Sabbatical Bank (allowing you to accrue time for extended paid leave), and agile working supported from day one.

• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, additional healthcare support, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

• Career Progression: Structured, performance-related development within a stable, financially strong, family-owned business.