Planning Lead

Summary

Reporting Line: Head of Portfolio Controls and Professionn

Contract type: Permanent

Grade: 3A

Location: Wood Street, London

What to expect

The Planning Lead will provide planning leadership and expertise to the projects and programmes that comprise a multi-workstream transformation portfolio. Acting as the planning Subject Matter Expert, they will provide assurance of the deliverability of the project objectives, programme outcomes, pillar plans, integrated master schedule and roadmap.

The Planning Lead will also develop, refine and embed the planning standards that will be used across the transformation portfolio to ensure a consistent approach to planning and the interaction with the plans of 3rd party suppliers.

What we can do for you

Now, more than ever, we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed throughout our organisation. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 27.5 days annual leave that increases with tenure

• Up to 18% on target bonus opportunity

• Car allowance

• Generous pension contribution

• Life assurance

• Income protection after 12 months service

• Full support from our employee assistance programme and access to our employee benefits platform

• Ever-evolving learning and development opportunities

Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. We actively foster an inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions from all colleagues. We hold the belief that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just vital but fundamental to our success and growth. Our priority lies in shaping a business that mirrors the diverse communities we reach, truly making Post Office 'Everybody's Business'. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and celebrate the differences among our people, ensuring that our practices reflect our dedication to inclusivity and equal representation for all.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Substantial -proven experience in a senior planning or programme management role within a large programme or portfolio (£100M+), ideally within a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.

• Strong technical proficiency in the use of planning software such as Primavera P6, Planview, MS Project, JIRA, ServiceNow or equivalent.

• Deep understanding of programme lifecycle management, PMO functions and programme planning best practices.

• Proven experience of developing and maintaining robust and realistic plans at portfolio level.

• Experience of planning and delivery in both Waterfall and Agile environments.

• Demonstrable experience in leading and mentoring high-performing teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset.

• Experience of performing Earned Value Analysis.

• Experience of performing QSRA and QCRA.

• Experienced manager with proven experience collaborating with peers and senior managers, to contribute to the development of, and deliver, a functional strategy to achieve business objectives.

• Substantial experience in establishing successful, cross-functional, stakeholder relationships.

• Acts as an expert advisor and SME, applying advanced knowledge of planning techniques as well as a broad knowledge of related areas.