Water and Gas Programme Planning Manager

The role purpose:
To ensure the organisation has industry leading and effective planning solutions that meet the operational needs of the Gas and Water Sector Unit as well as the overall business strategy. To develop and embed optimum programme-based resource management solutions. To embed a programme planning approach that maximises resource utilisation and operational delivery. To ensure a programme compliant approach to operational delivery. Provide accurate and relevant management information.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure a programme-lead approach is embedded across the Gas and Water sector unit.
• Provide a robust works management solution that incorporates full mobile working solutions.
• Provide timely management information to allow the business to maximise resource allocation.
• Ensure effective management of the business to coach and guide Contract Managers and teams on the effective use of systems and platforms.

Key Responsibilities:
• Define the planning solutions to be adopted by the business, accounting for all work types and contract models.
• Work with the senior management team to agree the appropriate operating structure to support the business.
• Recruit, lead and further develop a team of professionals with the appropriate level of training and experience to deliver a high quality service to the business.
• Work with the senior management team to define, agree and embed an approach that ensures optimised resource requirement forecasting, allocation and utilisation.
• Work with the Head of Gas and Head of Water Infra Operations to ensure a consistent ‘plan / do’ review approach is embedded.
• Provide daily / weekly / monthly reports as defined and agreed with the Director of Gas and Water.
• Work with the Head of IT to define and procure a new works management system to replace Pathway.
• Own and drive the implementation and management of the new works management system.
• Create ‘best in class’ approach to task planning and reporting.
• Work with the Head of IT to develop and embed ‘best in class’ mobile working solutions, ensuring full operational participation, buy-in and compliant utilisation.
• Develop the operational areas to ensure the appropriate level of competence and skills are used when planning works.
• Develop and drive the department to provide a lean, value added service to the business against a 4% operating profit (after central overhead).
• Collation and provision of programme based data to assist in future business development and commercial requirements.
• Represent the Gas and Water Sector Unit and engage with Client Programme Managers for strategic programme approaches.

Interacts with:
• All employees
• Sub Contractors
• External providers
• Client representatives

Operating Environment:
• To operate in an open and even handed manner with all personnel across the business. Treat others with courtesy, and respect.
• To proactively contribute to teamwork and cross-functional working.
• Behaving with integrity and demonstrating professional image at all times.
• To take personal responsibility and accountability for actions.
• Working in an open plan team environment.

Equalities and Diversity:
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and contribute to a working environment that is
considerate and supportive to all.


Skills Required: -
(knowledge / qualifications / experience)

• Proven ability and experience in a planning environment.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels both oral and written
• Process lead approach.
• Highly IT literate, strong understanding of IT and how it can help a business succeed
• Excellent team player, capable of both leading teams and supporting team leaders.
• Experience of project management methodologies (PRINCE2 / Six Sigma etc)
• Strong understanding of the concept of resource allocation and management.
• Experience of using industry leading planning tools (Primavera, MS Project).
• Experience of and able to demonstrate an understanding of the different types of planning within the utilities industry (long cycle, short cycle repair and maintenance etc)
• Full, UK driving licence.