Lead Planning Manager
Appcast · Manchester, England ·
Job Title - Lead Planning Manager - Major Healthcare Capital ProgrammeLocation: Crumpsall, Manchester (Hybrid / Site-Based Requirements)Project: 1-1.5bn NHS New Hospital ProgrammeSalary - Up to 125k plus bonus and an excellent packageThe OpportunityWe are currently working with a leading organisation delivering one of the UK's most significant healthcare infrastructure programmes: The redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take a senior role within a nationally important capital programme that will transform healthcare delivery across Greater Manchester. The redevelopment forms part of the Government's New Hospital Programme, representing a major investment of 1-1.5bn into modern, sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure.
This once-in-a-generation transformation will deliver a new hospital campus designed to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency and provide a modern healthcare environment for future generations. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the largest NHS Trust in Greater Manchester, alongside leading construction partners, consultants and specialist supply chain organisations.
Significant progress has already been achieved, including enabling works and the successful completion of the 106m all-electric North View mental health inpatient facility. The wider hospital redevelopment is now moving towards the next critical stages, with major construction activity planned from 2028 onwards.
This represents a pivotal opportunity for an experienced planner to join at a key stage and help shape the delivery strategy, programme controls and long-term success of this landmark healthcare project. The RoleAs Lead Planning Manager, you will take ownership of planning strategy, programme development and schedule leadership for a defined sector of this complex, multi-phase hospital redevelopment.
You will play a central role in ensuring that programme controls, construction sequencing, logistics planning and delivery strategies are fully integrated with design development, procurement requirements, stakeholder expectations and the challenges of working within a live healthcare environment.
This is a senior leadership position requiring a combination of technical planning expertise, strategic thinking and strong stakeholder management skills. You will work closely with senior leadership teams, NHS representatives, contractors, consultants and wider project stakeholders to drive programme certainty and successful delivery.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence delivery methodology, improve planning processes and contribute to the successful completion of one of the UK's most significant healthcare infrastructure investments.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead the planning function for a major sector of the North Manchester General Hospital redevelopment programmeDevelop, manage and maintain integrated master programmes covering design, procurement, construction and delivery phasesEstablish and implement effective planning strategies, controls and governance processes across the programmeDevelop complex phasing and sequencing strategies to support delivery within a live operational healthcare environmentWork collaboratively with clinical, estates and operational stakeholders to ensure construction activity aligns with healthcare requirementsProvide senior planning leadership across multidisciplinary teams including contractors, consultants, designers and NHS representativesMonitor programme performance, progress, critical path activities, risks and key milestonesIdentify potential delays and constraints, implementing effective mitigation and recovery strategies where requiredProduce high-quality programme reporting and insight for senior governance boards and programme leadership teamsSupport risk management, change control and commercial processes through accurate programme intelligence and analysisEnsure compliance with New Hospital Programme standards, reporting requirements and governance frameworksSupport the implementation of digital planning approaches including 4D planning and BIM integration where applicableAbout YouWe are seeking an experienced planning professional with a strong background in delivering complex construction programmes.
You will have the ability to operate at a senior level, influence key stakeholders and provide strategic planning leadership within a challenging project environment. The ideal candidate will have: Significant experience working within construction planning on major infrastructure, healthcare or similarly complex programmesProven experience managing and delivering large-scale, multi-phase projects (100m+ preferred)Strong understanding of NEC contract environments and public sector project governanceExperience working within live operational environments such as healthcare, transport, defence or other highly constrained sectorsStrong technical knowledge of planning methodologies and programme management principlesExperience using planning software such as Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject or equivalentExcellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence senior teamsAbility to analyse complex programme information and translate it into clear, actionable recommendationsExperience working with NHS clients, healthcare estates or major public sector organisations would be highly advantageousThis is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Senior Planner or Planning Manager looking to take ownership of a career-defining programme and make a lasting impact on one of the UK's most important infrastructure projects.