Planning Manager in Exeter

Lead Planner / Planning Manager – Regional Civils

South West England

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

Up to £100,000 plus company package & bonus



Shape the future of infrastructure.



Join one of the UK’s leading construction and engineering organisations and play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile civil engineering projects across the South West. Our Regional Civils team is looking for an experienced and driven Lead Planner / Planning Manager to help drive performance, innovation, and excellence across a diverse project portfolio.



This is a senior leadership opportunity where your expertise in planning and programming will directly influence successful project outcomes—from early-stage tendering through to on-site delivery.



The Role



As a Lead Planner / Planning Manager, you will take ownership of planning strategy across multiple schemes, ensuring robust, efficient, and forward-thinking programme management.



Key responsibilities include:

Leading the development, management, and optimisation of detailed project programmes across multiple civil engineering projects

Providing strategic planning input during tender and pre-construction phases

Monitoring progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain programme targets

Collaborating closely with delivery, design, and commercial teams to ensure alignment across all project stages

Analysing programme performance and producing insightful reports for senior leadership and clients

Driving continuous improvement in planning standards, systems, and tools across the regional business

Mentoring and developing junior planners, building a high-performing planning function



About You



You are a proactive and strategic planner with a strong track record in infrastructure or civil engineering environments.



We’re looking for:



Proven experience in a Planning Manager or Senior Planner role within civil engineering or infrastructure

Strong working knowledge of planning tools such as Primavera P6 (or equivalent)

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risk management

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

A relevant qualification in engineering, construction, or project management (desirable)

Why Join Us?



You’ll be part of a team delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious and meaningful infrastructure projects—improving communities and supporting the economy.



We offer a flexible and supportive working environment alongside a competitive benefits package:



Smart working – including flexible hours and up to 40% remote working (role dependent)

25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays, pro rata)

Enhanced family leave – including 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption and 4 weeks for paternity/partners

Pension scheme, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, and recognition programmes

Opportunities for career development and progression within a leading organisation



About Us

Our Regional Civils team has a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects across highways, rail, public realm, flood and coastal defence, and industrial sectors throughout England and Wales. We’re committed to connecting communities and building a more sustainable future.



Apply Now



If you’re ready to take the lead in shaping major infrastructure projects and want to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you