Planning Lead – Service Delivery Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Planning Lead to drive schedule development and control for complex infrastructure and capital programmes. The role ensures robust, integrated project schedules, monitors progress against baselines, and delivers clear reporting to support decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the creation, maintenance and control of project schedules, establishing approved baselines for all delivery stages.
• Develop Level 1 to Level 4 schedules, integrating contractor inputs, resources, milestones and cost interfaces.
• Monitor schedule performance, identify deviations and support recovery planning.
• Provide schedule analysis, reporting and governance support to project managers, contractors and client stakeholders.
• Facilitate planning reviews, steering meetings and enforce planning standards and tools.

Required profile

• Proven experience in project planning and schedule management for large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Ability to create structure, drive accountability and ensure realistic, aligned timelines.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on transparent reporting and performance monitoring.

Required skills

• Project schedule development and control
• Integrated schedule management (Level 1‑4)
• Planning governance and standards enforcement

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence major projects and build capability within delivery teams.
• Clear career progression towards senior programme or portfolio‑level planning leadership.