Location
London or Warrington (with weekly attendance at our London office once a week)

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Join Wates Smartspace, where 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 are seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join our National Smartspace team and lead the planning function across our pre-construction activities. This pivotal role involves 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.

As Planning Manager, you will oversee and manage planning and programming activities across the Smartspace portfolio, focusing on the pre-construction phase. You will collaborate closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Operational teams to 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.

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 and 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.

About you
- 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.

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.