Head of Planning

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. What you'll be doing Work Winning: Provide visionary leadership in shaping the overall planning strategy, orchestrating collaboration for the development of optimal project plans, and supporting governance oversight. Contract: Review and analyse construction contracts to ensure alignment with project schedules, monitor compliance, manage changes, and resolve disputes. Provide visionary leadership in planning operations, shaping the overall planning strategy and direction, overseeing the Area Planning Managers and the planning team, and driving innovation and efficiency. Display and evaluate the project critical path, advise the project team of the results and corrective actions, maintain baselines, and execute the change control process. Resource Management: Manage labour, equipment, and materials efficiently to meet objectives while minimising costs and delays. Contract Management: Manage contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, monitor performance, and resolve issues. Data Analysis: Produce project data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify deviations, and make data‑driven decisions. Governance: Ensure compliance with regulations, permits, and approvals; implement quality control processes. Training and Development: Provide leadership and mentorship to planners, fostering professional growth. Health and Safety: Develop and enforce a strong safety culture, and establish safety protocols and emergency plans. As the Head of Planning, provide strategic guidance to the planning, scheduling, and 4D departments, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Skills Analytical and problem‑solving Excellent understanding and management of data and processes Outstanding communication skills Negotiation and conflict resolution Leadership and mentorship Knowledge Proficiency in project management tools (Excel, MS Project, Primavera P6, ASTA) In‑depth knowledge of strategic civil engineering project management principles, methodologies, and best practices Advanced project scheduling and planning, including complex project schedules Expertise in risk management (TRA, QSRA, etc.) Understanding of planning software database administration Advanced financial knowledge related to project planning (budgeting, cost estimation, EV management, financial analysis) Understanding of 4D planning techniques and possibilities Comprehensive leadership principles and strategies, proven ability to lead planning teams Experience Extensive experience in planning and managing a variety of construction projects, including large‑scale and complex projects across multiple sectors Experience leading and managing planning resources and teams, with a track record of successful delivery Significant experience managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, and 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, creating vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities. Benefits Smart working – including staggered start/finish times and up to 40% remote working, where roles allow 25 days paid annual leave (pro‑rata) Family‑friendly policies: 28 weeks full‑pay maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full‑pay paternity/partners leave Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and 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 to a successful workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are building a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to applicants with disabilities that meet the minimum requirements. For more information, visit https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/. Seniority level: DirectorEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: Management and ManufacturingIndustries: Construction #J-18808-Ljbffr