Planning Manager

At Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy in Europe (HBUEU), Inclusion drives our culture of innovation and collaboration. Our leading technology and strong market position enable us to achieve growth targets in the energy transition across current and growing market segments such as hydrogen, data centers and e-mobility.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Planning Manager to lead our team of planning and scheduling professionals. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of complex energy projects, overseeing the development and maintenance of project schedules, and driving best practices in planning methodologies.

Location: Birmingham (Remote) with some travel to project sites. Must be able to travel UK and Europe wide as required.

(Also note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position)

How you'll make an impact

• Leading, mentoring, and developing a team of Project Planners and Schedulers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. Overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive project schedules for the GPQS UK portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives, scope, and resource availability.
• Ensure all project and company procedures are applied with respect to planning. Establishing and enforcing best practices for project planning and scheduling, including the use of advanced planning software (e.g., Primavera P6), methodologies and reporting through Power BI.
• Collaborating closely with Planners, Project Managers, Engineering Leads, and other stakeholders to integrate project plans, identify critical paths, and manage dependencies.
• Conducting regular portfolio planning reviews, identifying potential delays, and proactively developing mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Analysing schedule performance, preparing progress reports, and communicating project status to senior management and clients.
• Ensuring resource loaded schedules are accurately maintained and providing input for resource forecasting and allocation.
• Developing and implementing robust risk management strategies related to project schedules.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of planning and scheduling processes and tools within the organization.
• Participating in tender and bid processes, providing expert input on project scheduling and execution strategies.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field), Construction Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience to demonstrate knowledge.
• Extensive proven experience (typically 8+ years) in project planning and scheduling within the energy sector.
  Demonstrable experience in a leadership or senior role, managing and mentoring a team of planning professionals.
• Expert proficiency in project planning and scheduling software, particularly Primavera P6.
  Strong understanding of various project delivery methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile) and their application in complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify critical path items and develop effective mitigation plans.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels of an organization and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• A strong commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of project execution.
  Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PSP, PMI-SP) are highly desirable, commitment to completing the Hitachi functional competence assessment.

• Competitive salary package
• Generous bonus scheme.
• 25 days holidays, plus bank holidays
• Excellent company pension and wide-ranging benefits schemes.
• Top quality H&S culture alongside comprehensive training and personal development programmes.
• Inclusive Work Environment: We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.