Senior Planning Manager

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd

Job Title – Senior Planning Manager

Projects – Healthcare

Location: London Based

Salary: Very Competitive + excellent benefits package

Contract: Permanent, full-time (Some Hybrid)

Client / Role

Our client, a leading Tier 1 main contractor in the UK, is offering an exciting opportunity for a career-focused Planning Manager to join their high-performing team. This role focuses heavily on major healthcare and hospital new build projects, as well as a wider portfolio spanning commercial, mixed-use, education, and high-end residential sectors.

This is more than just a Planning Manager position – it’s a strategic growth opportunity. The successful candidate will be on a defined path to progress into a senior leadership role, such as Head of Planning, in the near future, as the company scales its planning capability to match increasing project demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and operate the planning system in line with internal procedures, ensuring a high standard of service delivery.
• Oversee planning resources across both pre-construction and live project environments, supporting bidding strategies and execution planning.
• Work in close collaboration with project managers, design teams, and commercial leads to ensure robust, realistic, and coordinated programmes are developed.
• Support the mentoring and development of junior planners within the department, providing leadership, training, and structured guidance.
• Monitor progress against key milestones, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Deliver accurate reporting and clear communication of programme performance to stakeholders.
• Take a lead role in shaping the planning function’s future strategy and best practices, contributing to business-wide planning excellence.

Essential Requirements

• Must have hospital or healthcare experience.
• Demonstrable experience in managing planning functions across multiple live and pre-construction projects.
• Proven working knowledge of NEC Contracts
• Proficient in P6
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, with the ability to guide and grow planning teams.
• A solid background in construction planning across a broad spectrum of sectors
• Comprehensive understanding of the full construction lifecycle – including design, procurement, build, services, and commissioning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently with both internal teams and client representatives.
• Proficiency in industry-standard planning tools – Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project preferred.

What’s on Offer

• A forward-thinking and supportive environment with a clear path for fast-track career progression into senior leadership.
• Exposure to technically complex, high-value projects that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
• A strong culture of integrity, excellence, and innovation – backed by the security and resources of a major contractor.

Benefits Include

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service)
• 2 additional days per year for volunteering
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance
• Access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits through our client’s flexible package

If you feel that you are the right person for this role, then please apply with your latest CV.