Programme and Planning Lead - Construction/Engineering projects

An exciting new position for a Programme and Planning Lead, based within the Asset – Commercial and PMO Team with experience in an asset intensive/engineering industry like Transportation, Utilities, or Construction.

This role will act as the Programme and Planning Lead and will be responsible for ensuring that we have an overarching integrated investment plan that is understood and adhered to by all colleagues that can affect or are affected by it. The role will provide a strategic planning and programming function that will require excellent communications skills, the ability to work both strategically and on project specifics, good experience of planning in a portfolio-programme-project environment, working knowledge and experience of planning software such as MS Project or similar.

Responsibilities

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and tracking the investment plan at the programme level.
Responsible for developing, agreeing, and maintaining an outage plan based on water treatment and supply availability that aligns with the investment plan.
Responsible for supporting the Project Managers to develop project plans within a portfolio of work that align to and integrate with the investment plan.
Support Project Managers in ensuring accurate and realistic forecasting of performance related milestones.
Ensure the integration of Strategic Contract contractor schedules into project schedules and ensure adequate risk provision.
Review and assure supply chain schedules for appropriate quality and maturity in line with good practice scheduling principles.
Provide input to the Project Manager on appropriate course of action in line with contractual obligations relating to submitted schedules.
Identify and maintain interdependencies to help provide early insight of any potential deviation from the baseline and propose remedial actions (such as advancement or deferment of activities) in order that risks can be avoided or mitigated, and opportunities can be exploited.

Skills, Competencies & Qualifications

Demonstratable experience of project planning in a portfolio-programme-project environment, gained in an asset intensive/engineering industry such as utilities, transportation, or construction.
Qualified to a degree level, or substantial experience in an appropriate discipline (e.g., construction management or engineering, or project/programme management subjects).
Good knowledge of planning principles and experience of Primavera P6, MS Project or equivalent planning software.
An understanding of cost management and how that integrates into schedule.
An understanding of risk management and how that integrates into schedule.
Experience of resource planning within specific planning software or a standalone system.
Ability to develop methods to communicate progress and raise issues as soon as they arise.
Experience in leading other professionals to embed desired behaviors and ways of working, either in a line management role or less formal arrangement.
Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced environment and can respond positively to problems and issues that arise.
Ability to work collaboratively within a the PMO and across the wider Organisation including with project managers and operational teams.
Strong data analysis capability to capture and deliver key messages, providing senior stakeholders with the ability to make timely and informed decisions.
Remains patient, polite, and supportive at all times, particularly when managing difficult situations or challenge.

Hours – 38 hours per week (2-3 days in office)

Benefits – 27 days holiday + BH, Generous pension scheme, Enhanced Family Friendly Leave, Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance and Employee Assistance Programme