Planning Manager

Location: Reading (with travel as required)

Employment type: Full Time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you’re not just taking a job — you’re starting a career with real support behind it.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• 24/7 virtual GP and Mental Health support services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club – supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Paid volunteering opportunities

As a Planning Manager within Ipsum Water England & Wales, you will lead the planning, scheduling and reporting functions across a portfolio of water infrastructure projects. Working closely with Project Managers, clients, local authorities and supply chain partners, you will ensure programmes are developed, maintained and delivered efficiently while supporting operational performance and customer satisfaction.

You will be responsible for managing planning activities, ensuring programme accuracy, coordinating resources and driving continuous improvement across scheduling processes and performance reporting.

• Develop and maintain project programmes, monitoring progress and reporting performance.
• Build strong relationships with Project Managers, clients, local authorities and supply chain partners.
• Manage stakeholder expectations regarding programme delivery and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure resources are effectively planned to support operational delivery.
• Drive compliance with scheduling processes, KPIs and company procedures.
• Monitor performance data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the safe and efficient delivery of work programmes.
• Resolve planning issues quickly to minimise operational impact.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational best practice.
• Ensure compliance with company Health & Safety requirements.

We’re looking for an experienced planning professional with strong organisational, analytical and stakeholder management skills.

You will have:

• Previous experience in a Planning Management role.
• A degree in Utilities Management or equivalent qualification.
• A full UK Driving Licence.
• At least 5 years’ experience within the Utilities industry.
• Experience managing planning and scheduling functions.
• Experience using Symology and Streetworks software.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting performance data and producing reports.
• Knowledge of KPI management and operational performance monitoring.
• Strong commercial awareness and customer focus.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience building relationships with clients, suppliers and operational teams.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.

Key skills include excellent communication, organisation, problem-solving, leadership, time management and the ability to work collaboratively while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to the Careers Team for more info!