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Planning Manager

Job details
Posting date: 17 March 2026
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 16 April 2026
Location: Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5PE
Remote working: Hybrid - work remotely up to 1 day per week
Company: VolkerWessels UK
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: VW07273_1773744784

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Summary

Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. Collaborating with, and drawing on the specialist skills of the group's business units we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.

VolkerStevin have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Planning Manager to join the business. As Planning Manager you will be managing the Senior Planner's and Planner's on our Environment Agency Framework.

Reporting to the Head of Planning and Sector/Regional Director be responsible for managing a team of Senior Planners and Planners, implementing the requirements of the regional projects planning/programme in accordance with the VolkerStevin Planning Standards, ensuring compliance with the business management systems. The role will also require delivery of project/tender programmes in line with a Senior Planners responsibilities.

An essential part of the role is to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with the project team, customer, supply chain and the wider planning community, becoming an integrated member of the project team.

Key Accountabilities:

Responsible at TENDER STAGE to the Head of Planning and Pre-contract Manager for the range of activities involved in the project planning life cycle, which includes:

  • Ensuring that the programme content is functionally compliant with the planning procedures and guidance
  • Identifying planning scope, programme constraints and contract requirements
  • Establishing and agreeing construction outputs, project calendars and working hours with operational support and Estimator
  • Producing and documenting the planning deliverables including tender planning worksheet, presentations, reports and drive the planning philosophy/strategy
  • Produce the Tender Programme and supporting information in accordance with the tender requirements
  • Generation of time risk quantum and strategy for delivery stage for approval by the Planning Manager/Bid Manager. Define the risk strategy for the project/sector and implement through the planning team
  • Apply resource levelling techniques during programme production for labour, plant and materials. Drive improvements through the planning team and guidance on minimum expectations
  • Meets own deadlines through effective time management and ensures their planning team maintain theirs
  • Effectively communicates the planning and programme elements at the tender handover meeting

In addition to the above, at CONTRACT STAGE the Planning Manager is accountable to the and Project Lead for:

  • Ensuring that the Contract Programme is produced, managed and maintained in accordance with the VolkerStevin Planning Standards
  • The overall planning strategy and the timing/sequence of the contract programme activities
  • Maintaining the planning deliverables in the timeframe agreed with the Project Team. These include monthly contract programme updates, monthly programme reporting and submission documentation
  • The issue and communication of the Contract Programme to the Project Lead for onward issue to Client and Project Team
  • Ensuring that all other planning and programming necessary for the execution of the contract is properly undertaken
  • Lead the collaborative planning sessions with the project team
  • Set up appropriate programme metrics to assist the delivery team to deliver the project timely, safely, to the correct quality and demonstrate improved productivity
  • Update information for design and procurement schedules
  • Analyse productivity trends and use to influence the forward planning of the project
  • Implement the time risk strategy through out delivery in accordance with the agreed planning strategy
  • Expedite the production of change programmes and drive resolution with the project team
  • Completes planners reports and monthly dashboard requirements on time and actions the output

About you

  • A Degree or HND in a relevant subject is desirable, as is Professional membership of one or more of the following: RICS/CIOB/RIBA/ICE/CIBSE.
  • Construction Knowledge - Have a broad knowledge of various construction methods and techniques, to an expert level in specific areas
  • Risk & Opportunity - Be able to develop the project time risk strategy and seek opportunity through delivery. Champion risk management
  • Digital Planning - Proficient user of planning software and reports. Drive digital planning development within the Sector/Area
  • Commercial Knowledge - Expert experience of specific programme/planning requirements within specific contracts and broad knowledge of various conditions

If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

Why work with us?

VolkerStevin is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerStevin are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Competitive salary
  • Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
  • Option to buy additional annual leave
  • Private medical care
  • Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
  • Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
  • Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
  • Employee Assistance programme
  • Mental health, physical health, and financial support
  • 24/7 Virtual GP service

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

If you need support with your application, please contact us at

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.

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