Network Planning Manager

Job Summary

1. Job Purpose

The Planning Manager is responsible for the effective planning, coordination and scheduling of the company's operational resources to ensure road marking, high-friction surfacing, road stud installation, and associated highway maintenance works are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with client requirements.

The role will oversee the forward planning of projects, allocation of labour, plant, vehicles and materials, and coordination with operational teams, clients and subcontractors. The Planning Manager will ensure that programmes are realistic, resources are utilised effectively, and potential operational conflicts or delays are identified and addressed at an early stage.

The role will support the delivery of projects for National Highways, local authorities, principal contractors and other customers, ensuring that operational commitments are met while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, environmental performance and customer service.

Salary negotiable, dependent on experience

2. Key Responsibilities: Operational Planning and Scheduling

• Develop, maintain and communicate short-, medium- and long-term operational programmes.
• Coordinate daily, weekly and forward planning of road marking and associated highway works.
• Allocate labour, plant, vehicles and equipment to meet project requirements and operational priorities.
• Ensure work schedules reflect project deadlines, client commitments, site access restrictions and traffic management arrangements.
• Coordinate multiple projects and workstreams across the company's operational depots.
• Identify scheduling conflicts, resource constraints and potential delays, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure plans account for working hours, travel times, mobilisation requirements and operational efficiencies.
• Maintain accurate planning records and provide regular programme updates to relevant personnel.

Resource and Workforce Management

• Work closely with operational managers, supervisors and project teams to ensure suitable resources are available for planned works.
• Coordinate workforce availability, competencies, training requirements and deployment.
• Ensure appropriate plant, vehicles, equipment and materials are available when and where required.
• Monitor resource utilisation and identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Support contingency planning for staff absences, equipment breakdowns, adverse weather and emergency works.
• Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to support the timely availability of materials and equipment.

Client and Project Coordination

• Liaise with clients, principal contractors and other stakeholders regarding programme requirements, planned activities and changes to schedules.
• Ensure planning arrangements align with contract requirements, project milestones and agreed delivery dates.
• Coordinate with project managers and operational teams to understand the scope, sequencing and priorities of upcoming works.
• Support the preparation and review of project programmes, mobilisation plans and resource forecasts.
• Communicate programme changes promptly to affected stakeholders.
• Support the resolution of operational issues that may affect delivery or client satisfaction.

Essential:

• Proven experience in operational planning, scheduling or resource coordination.
• Experience working within construction, highways maintenance, road surfacing, road markings, traffic management or a similar operational environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating people, vehicles, plant, equipment and materials.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and planning or scheduling systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with operational teams and management.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to changing operational requirements.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering works on the strategic road network or for National Highways.
• Knowledge of highway maintenance contracts, traffic management and road space booking arrangements.
• Familiarity with relevant National Highways specifications and Sector Schemes.
• Experience with workforce scheduling, fleet management or transport planning systems.
• Knowledge of project planning tools and programme management techniques.
• Experience using operational performance data to drive improvements.

Pay: From £48,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person