Sector Planning Manager

Our Water sector contractor are seeking a Sector Planning Manager to lead their Thames Water planning function based out of a Reading office with hybrid working.

You will manage the pre-construction planning team resource within the Thames Water regional office; providing support on all tenders (competitive and negotiated) through into construction. You will develop relationships with both clients and design consultants, assist in the selection of all necessary consultants and specialists. Produce reports for the regional management meetings and play an active role within the Senior Management team. Ensure our client is moving forward with new and forward thinking technologies. Contribution to national strategy and initiatives for example career pathways, standardising document management tools etc.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Planning teams including allocation and control of resources on both tenders and projects; complete regular PDR reviews and develop career pathways for each; ensure they receive appropriate training;
• Development of strong personal relationships with Clients/Consultants/supply chain and staff;
• Maintain a strong, committed and highly motivated winning Planning team;
• Assist in the management and completion of 'Expressions of Interest', 'Prequalification's' and 'Tender Submissions'; to include pre-tender strategy, production of technical responses, identification of key differentiators, red reviews etc;
• Attend and contribute to bid strategy reviews and tender settlement meetings; including innovative thinking and generating ideas to differentiate from our competitors / improve margins;
• Organise, contribute to or lead interviews with clients, consultants and supply chain members, including the preparation of presentation material using PowerPoint, Sketch-Up, Paint, Asta or similar;
• Support and actively participate in the social programme including corporate, client, framework and supply-chain events - this may include facilitating such meetings;
• Participate in national work winning initiatives and national framework bids as required;
• Liaising with bid managers, estimators, designers, temporary works department and specialist subcontractors as necessary;
• Plan an active role in the region's Senior Management Team;

• Review construction planning, programming, logistics, phasing, prelims and methodology input for projects at prequalification, tender and contract stage;
• Actively contribute to national planning standards;
• Manage and monitor programme performance on site vs tender allowance;
• Utilise construction knowledge and experience to develop lean and innovative programme solutions to clients briefs;
• Provide on-going support to Planners through pre-construction and construction phases;
• To review progress or update programmes and report as necessary;
• To produce and manage Information Required Schedules.

Skills/experience/qualifications

• Keen interest in and a good knowledge of building, civil engineering or general construction techniques and methodology; Suitable level of safety training and to hold an appropriate CSCS card.
• Familiarity with the standard Microsoft Office suite of software (particularly Word, Excel and Power-point)P6 knowledge essential, MPP & ASTA familiarity needed
• Ability to absorb and assimilate project information quickly and to demonstrate clarity of thought in developing and presenting solutions;
• Confidence to communicate within the company as well as clients, industry professional and suppliers outside the company;
• An understanding of the design and procurement process and an awareness of contractual matters; i.e. NEC programme requirements.
• Preferably educated to degree level but not essential;
• Confidently use 'MS PowerPoint', 'MS Office';
• Knowledge of P6 Web base - Admin level;
• Comprehensive site experience in planning or site management;
• Knowledge and understanding of the bid process, from pre-tender (PQQ), through tendering and into construction;
• To come from either a Contracting or Consultant background;
• A previous position within a Clients organisation would also be considered where appropriate (desirable);
• Well-developed technical construction knowledge.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (85-95k range)
• Car allowance
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
• Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
• Dental Insurance
• Travel insurance