Planning Lead

Costain has been appointed as Delivery Integration Partner by National Highways (NH) for delivery of the £240m improvement of the Simister Island M60/M62/M66 interchange (M60 Junction 18), north of Manchester. As Delivery Integration Partner, Costain will overhaul the busy junction involving complex traffic management to keep tens of thousands of vehicles moving whilst construction takes place. The works consist of: A new free flow ‘northern loop’ link road to take drivers directly from M60 eastbound to M60 southbound without exiting the motorway M66 mainline southbound widening and southbound slip road realignment to allow for construction of the northern loop A widened connector road from M60 northbound to M60 westbound – replacing the current single lane with two lanes Adding an extra lane in each direction on the M60 Junctions 17 to 18 (increasing from 4 to 5 lanes) while retaining the hard shoulders Upgrades to drainage, lighting, motorway technology, signage and signalling. As a Planning Lead, you will be responsible for developing the strategic overview of the planning function in complex projects, programmes or portfolios, working with stakeholders to resource, manage, integrate and assure projects/ programmes. You will ensure visibility and alignment of programmes with business plans and Performance Commitments throughout. #LI-JK1 Responsibilities Overall responsibility of the planning function on the programme of works. Provide visible and effective leadership, lead the planning team and work with the project/programme manager to deliver the business case benefits and outcomes. Define the planner resource strategy for the project/programme, support planner recruitment and oversee their development. Oversee the interfacing and integration with the project/programme controls team to maintain an aligned financial position with the Project/Programme Plan. Lead planner capability building and the use of best practice in planning and reporting. Develop clear vision and standards and champion the use of best practice project planning standards, tools and processes. Build strong networks both internally and externally. Work with the senior management team to ensure the programme accurately reflects the state of the project/programme. Review performance data, looking at trends to identify areas for improvement and collaboration, and selecting appropriate methods and tools to resolve them. Collaborate with work-winning teams and future clients, driving strategic stakeholder engagement. Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Essential Able to prioritise work effectively, delegate and train staff, and take accountability and ownership of requirements of role and department Relevant experience in Project Controls and/or Project Delivery, preferably in a highly regulated environment Able to identify, analyse and solve problems and come up with innovative solutions Experience in the interpretation of estimating, scheduling, programming and risk tools Desirable Business Development and work winning experience and understanding Experience in creating and communicating sales propositions Working knowledge of reporting tools including Power Bi. Working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation. Essential HNC/HND, degree qualified or experience in a planning related discipline Desirable APM Project Management Qualification APMG Managing Successful Programmes – foundation level APMG International Project Planning and Control Practitioner or equivalent PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)