Head of Planning

Head of Planning
Manchester | Infrastructure Projects | Hybrid & Flexible Working
The Head of Planning Role
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead and develop our planning capability at Walker Sime.
This is a senior opportunity to take ownership of the planning function, working across major construction and infrastructure projects while helping shape how the service develops and grows.
You’ll combine technical planning expertise with leadership, client engagement and commercial awareness. As well as supporting the successful delivery of projects, you’ll develop our planning team, build strong relationships with clients and play an active role in identifying and securing new opportunities.
For someone looking for a role with genuine influence, this is an opportunity to shape a service, develop people and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.
About Walker Sime
Walker Sime is a construction consultancy providing specialist services across major construction and infrastructure projects.
As part of HanmiGlobal, we combine our established UK expertise with the backing of an international organisation. We’re focused on providing high-quality technical advice to our clients while creating an environment where our people can develop, take on responsibility and build their careers.
Responsibilities
As Head of Planning, you’ll take responsibility for the technical leadership, development and growth of our planning capability.
You will:
* Lead the planning function, providing technical leadership and direction across projects.
* Oversee the development, review and maintenance of robust project programmes.
* Provide senior planning input on complex projects, supporting project teams and clients with clear, practical advice.
* Review programme performance, including critical path, float, progress, constraints, risks and emerging delays.
* Provide clear programme reporting and forecasting to support effective project decision-making.
* Support teams in developing mitigation and recovery strategies where programmes move off track.
* Work collaboratively with project, commercial, design, procurement and construction teams to ensure programmes reflect project delivery.
* Provide planning input into programme change and delay matters where required.
* Develop consistent planning standards, processes and ways of working across the business.
* Lead, mentor and develop planners, helping build capability and create progression opportunities within the team.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
* Identify opportunities to expand our planning services with existing clients and into new projects.
* Play an active role in business development, including client meetings, proposals, tenders and pitches.
* Work with colleagues across Walker Sime to identify opportunities where planning can complement our wider consultancy services.
* Support the development of the planning pipeline and contribute to the sustainable growth of the service.
Head of Planning Requirements
Essential
* Significant experience in planning or project controls within construction, infrastructure or major projects.
* Strong technical understanding of project planning, including programme development, baselines, critical path, float, progress measurement, forecasting and recovery planning.
* Experience of contributing to business development, including building client relationships, identifying new opportunities and supporting the growth of planning services.
* Experience providing senior planning advice to project teams and clients.
* The ability to interrogate complex programmes and communicate the key issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to constructively challenge and influence at senior level.
* Experience leading, mentoring or developing other planning professionals.
* A commercial mindset and the ability to build credible, long-term client relationships.
* An interest in helping develop and grow a planning service, alongside delivering high-quality technical work.
Preferred
* Experience with Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.
* Experience working with NEC contracts and associated programme requirements.
* Experience providing planning input into change, delay or compensation event assessments.
* Previous involvement in bids, tenders, proposals or winning new work.
* Experience across major infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, data centre or complex construction projects.
Interested?
If you’re an experienced planning professional looking for a senior role where you can combine technical leadership, client relationships, team development and business growth, we’d like to hear from you.
Apply directly or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role