The Planning Lead plays a senior role within the client’s programme controls function, providing leadership, assurance, and integration across project planning and reporting activities. The role supports the successful delivery of complex programmes by overseeing planning frameworks, monitoring progress against agreed baselines, and ensuring accurate, timely reporting to inform decision-making.

The role operates in a client-facing environment and works closely with project teams, delivery partners, consultants, and contractors to ensure programme plans are robust, realistic, and aligned with delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee programme-level planning activities.
• Review, challenge, and validate contractor and partner programmes to ensure alignment with the overall programme and delivery strategy.
• Ensure effective monitoring and reporting of programme progress against agreed baselines, highlighting risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a structured programme reporting framework, ensuring accurate collection and presentation of schedule, progress, and performance data.
• Prepare and review Project Progress Reports and Management Reports for senior stakeholders.
• Provide expert planning advice to project and programme teams, supporting informed decision-making and realistic delivery timelines.
• Oversee the assessment of change impacts on programme schedules, including critical path and interface analysis.
• Coordinate planning and reporting inputs across multiple stakeholders, ensuring consistency and data quality.
• Ensure alignment between planning, reporting, document management, and quality processes.
• Support continuous improvement of planning, reporting, and controls processes across the programme.

• 15+ years in programme or project planning within complex delivery environments.
• Proven experience operating at Planning Lead / Associate Director level in a client-side or consultancy role.
• Strong background in programme planning, schedule assurance, interface management, and progress reporting.
• Experience working across complex, multi-stakeholder programmes and live environments.
• Proficient in industry planning tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, Asta Powerproject, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of programme controls, change management, and performance reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience advising senior clients.

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Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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