Planning Manager

Reference: 123456_
Posted: October 20, 2026

An exceptional opportunity for an experienced Planning Manager to join one of the South East's established civil engineering, groundworks and reinforced concrete frame contractors.

This is a senior appointment within a successful specialist contractor, offering the opportunity to lead the planning function across a portfolio of technically challenging projects throughout London and the Southeast.

Our client is a privately owned contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering complex reinforced concrete frame packages. The business has established long-term relationships with leading residential developers and main contractors, delivering a diverse range of project across the region.

With a strong emphasis on technical expertise, innovation and investment in its people, this is an excellent opportunity to join a business where planning plays a key role in both securing new work and delivering successful projects.

About the role of Planning Manager-

Our client is looking for an experienced planning manager to take a leading role within their planning and preconstruction department in surrey.

You will be responsible for overseeing the development and management of construction programmes, developing detailed construction methodologies, overseeing live project programmes and ensuring effective planning strategies are implemented across the business. You will work closely with senior management and project delivery teams, providing strategic planning support while helping to develop and improve planning procedures and standards.

Responsibilities for planning manager-

• Lead and oversee planning activities across multiple groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure and reinforced concrete frame projects.
• Develop and manage detailed tender construction programmes from preconstruction trough to project completion.
• Work closely with estimating and preconstruction teams to develop competitive tender programmes, construction methodologies and sequencing strategies.
• Review and monitor live project programmes, identifying critical activities, potential delays and opportunities to improve project delivery.
• Provide strategic planning advice and support to senior management, contracts managers and operational delivery teams.
• Manage programme updates, progress reporting and critical path analysis.
• Develop construction sequencing strategies, covering earthworks, drainage, foundations, infrastructure and reinforced concrete structures.
• Support commercial teams with programme-related contractual matters, including extensions of time and delay
• Mentor and develop members of the planning team, ensuring consistent standards and effective programme management.

Requirements for planning manager-

• Extensive experience in a senior planning position with civil engineering, groundworks, reinforced concrete frames or specialist contracting
• Proven experience developing and managing programmes across multiple construction projects.
• Strong technical understanding of groundworks, earthworks, drainage, foundations and reinforced concrete construction.
• Excellent knowledge of construction planning software, including Asta, Powerproject and/or Primavera P6.
• Experience preparing detailed tender programmes, construction sequences and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of critical path analysis, programme management and contractual planning requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior management, commercial teams and operational staff.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring planners would advantageous
• A relevant construction or civil engineering qualification would be beneficial.

What we offer for the role-

• An opportunity to join a highly regarded specialist civil engineering and groundworks contractor.
• A senior management position with the opportunity to influence the planning strategy and performance of the business.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of technically challenging groundworks, infrastructure and reinforced concrete frame projects.
• The opportunity to work closely with an experienced senior management team.
• A business committed to technical excellence, innovation and developing its people.
• Long-term career opportunities within an established and successful contractor.
• Competitive salary between £100,00 and £150,000 depending on experience.

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