Job Description

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead our Regional Civils planning function and champion design excellence across a portfolio of large, complex developments. In this pivotal role, you'll ensure project schedules are strategically aligned with organisational objectives, optimise resource allocation, and build long-term resource resilience. You'll strengthen coordination across teams, support the safe, profitable and timely delivery of projects, and drive the adoption of best practice. As a key leader in the organisation, you will shape our project management strategy and help set the standard for performance across the business.



Location can be flexible, but travel to projects and offices will be required as well as hybrid working.

What you'll be doing

As a Planning Lead:


Work Winning: Provide visionary leadership in shaping the overall planning strategy, orchestrating collaboration for the development of optimal project plans. Contribute to client value proposition. Supporting governance oversight. Ensure alignment with organisational goals, emphasising strategic planning initiatives for the successful execution of projects at a broader level. Contract: In terms of contracts, reviews, and analyses construction contracts to ensure alignment with project schedules, monitors compliance with contractual obligations, manages and documents changes in project scope and schedule, participates in contract-related dispute resolution, and establishes and tracks key performance indicators for contract performance. Provide visionary leadership in planning operations, shaping the overall planning strategy and direction. Oversee the Area Planning Managers and the planning team, ensuring the highest quality in planning deliverables, including programs, planning philosophy, presentations, and reports. Drive innovation and efficiency in planning processes, including the development and implementation of effective digital tools, aligning them with the organisation's broader objectives. Displaying and evaluating the project critical path, advising the project team of the results and any appropriate corrective action alongside producing and maintaining project baselines, and execute the change control process as appropriate. Resource Management: Expertise in managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently to meet project objectives while minimising costs and delays. Contract Management: Manage contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, monitoring performance, and resolving contract-related issues. Data Analysis: Aid the planning team to produce project data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify deviations, and make data-driven decisions for project improvement. Governance: Ensuring that project planning complies with all relevant regulations, permits, and approvals, implements quality control processes to meet industry and company standards. Training and Development: Provide leadership and mentorship to less experienced planners and team members, fostering their professional growth and competence.
Health and Safety: Develop and enforce a strong safety culture within the organization, emphasizing the well-being of employees and compliance with health and safety regulations. Establish safety protocols and emergency response plans.
As the Head of Planning, assume the responsibility of providing strategic guidance and oversight to the planning, scheduling, and 4D departments. Foster a collaborative environment, ensuring cohesion and alignment across these critical areas. Drive innovation and efficiency to achieve successful project execution at a comprehensive level.

Who we're looking for

Skills:


Analytical and problem solving Excellent understanding and management of data and processes Outstanding communication skills Negotiation and Conflict resolution Leadership and Mentorship

Knowledge:


Proficient competence in project management tools and software like Excel, MS Project, Primavera P6 or ASTA. In-depth knowledge and expertise in strategic civil engineering project management principles, methodologies, and best practices. Proficiency in advanced project scheduling and planning, including the ability to develop and manage complex project schedules using industry-standard tools. Expert in Risk Management in project programmes: TRA, QSRA, etc. Understanding of planning software database administration. Advanced knowledge of financial aspects related to project planning, including budgeting, cost estimation, Earned Value Management, and financial analysis. Understanding of 4D Planning techniques and possibilities. Comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and strategies, with a proven ability to lead and manage planning teams.

Experience:


Extensive experience in successfully planning and managing a variety of construction projects, including large-scale and complex in a range of sectors. Extensive experience in leading and managing planning resources and planning teams for construction projects, showcasing a track record of successful project delivery. Significant experience in managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:


Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow. 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata) Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more...

About us

With a strong track record of delivery, our civils teams connect communities through infrastructure projects in the highways, public realm, rail, flood and coastal defence, and industrial sectors across England and Wales.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion



To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.



As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/



We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com



Job Reference: BBUK16578