Construction Planning Manager

Planning Manager - Wates Smartspace

Location: London or Warrington (with weekly attendance at our London office once a week)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Join Wates Smartspace

At Wates Smartspace, we deliver some of the UK's most high-profile and technically complex fit out, refurbishment and workplace transformation projects. Our teams create inspiring environments that enhance the way people work, learn and interact, combining innovation, sustainability and exceptional delivery.

We're looking for an experienced Planning Manager to join our National Smartspace team and lead the planning function across our pre-construction activities. This is a pivotal role that will see you working on major CAT A and CAT B fit out, refurbishment and cut & carve projects across multiple sectors, helping to shape delivery strategies and drive project success from the earliest stages.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy solving complex challenges and want to influence the successful delivery of market-leading projects, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Planning Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the planning and programming activities across the Smartspace portfolio, with a particular focus on the pre-construction phase. Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Operational teams, you will ensure programmes are robust, achievable and aligned with client expectations and delivery requirements.

You will play a key leadership role in developing planning standards, supporting tender submissions and providing expert planning guidance across the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Planner or Planning Manager looking to take ownership of planning activities within a growing national fit out and refurbishment business.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Leadership

• Lead and oversee planning activities across all pre-construction opportunities within the Smartspace National Team.
• Develop detailed tender and pre-construction programmes for CAT A, CAT B fit out and refurbishment projects.
• Support bid teams by providing programme narratives, sequencing methodologies and construction strategies.
• Contribute to tender interviews and client presentations, demonstrating programme confidence and delivery capability.
• Assess project risks, constraints and opportunities during the tender stage and develop mitigation strategies.

Planning & Programme Management

• Develop, maintain and review detailed project programmes using recognised planning software.
• Ensure programmes accurately reflect project scope, procurement strategies, design development and construction methodologies.
• Establish critical paths, milestones and key project deliverables.
• Monitor programme performance and provide regular reporting to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Produce programme updates, scenario modelling and recovery plans where required.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with design, commercial, operational and client teams to ensure integrated planning solutions.
• Challenge assumptions and drive best practice throughout project planning activities.
• Support project teams during mobilisation and throughout delivery to ensure seamless transition from pre-construction into operations.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion best practice planning standards across the business.
• Drive innovation in planning methodologies and digital planning tools.
• Mentor and support planners and project teams, sharing knowledge and experience.
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

We're looking for a planning professional who combines technical excellence with strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within a Planning Manager, Senior Planner or Lead Planner role.
• Proven track record working within the construction industry.
• Extensive experience delivering:
  • CAT A office fit out projects
  • CAT B office fit out projects
  • Commercial refurbishment projects
  • Cut & carve projects
• Strong understanding of pre-construction planning, tender programmes and construction sequencing.
• Experience supporting bid submissions and developing construction methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Degree, HNC or HND in Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.
• Strong understanding of construction techniques, procurement routes and project delivery processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of NEC and JCT forms of contract would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative and proactive approach.
• Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
• Ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Passionate about innovation, continuous improvement and delivering exceptional outcomes.

Why Join Wates Smartspace?

At Wates, you'll be part of a business that values people, innovation and collaboration. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and develop their career.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Exposure to landmark fit out and refurbishment projects
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• The opportunity to make a real impact within a leading construction and fit out business