Senior Planning Manager

The University of Sussex is seeking to appoint a Senior Planning Manager to lead the planning and programming of the university’s fully funded five year capital investment programme.

The University of Sussex is a leading higher education and research institution. The first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961, Sussex is a successful, growing University with a top-20 place in the major UK higher education league tables. The University has a beautiful and diverse estate located in Falmer, to the North of Brighton and Hove. It is situated in the South Downs National Park and has amongst its buildings a listed core heritage estate designed by Sir Basil Spence.

Over the past two decades, Sussex has doubled in size in terms of activity, with the University accommodating this growth within its existing constrained campus. The University has therefore developed a £300 million masterplan – a programme of investment to modernise and improve the campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, academic and professional staff, and the local community.

Reporting to the Head of Capital Projects, the Senior Planning Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, production and management of project detailed design and construction programmes, through all aspects of the project life cycle including; scope, timelines, resources, budget, risks and issues, relationships, training and communication. The Senior Planning Manager will be experienced in the planning and production of detailed construction and infrastructure Gannt Chart programmes and have the ability to analyse, monitor and report on the internal teams, external design teams and contractors programme logic and progress inputting data into our PPM Reporting Tool.

We are seeking an individual that has demonstrable experience in construction project management planning and commercial planning of large-scale construction projects with a value in excess of £50m. This position will suit an individual with excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and who is passionate about delivering complex project programmes and plans. Project delay and programme dispute analysis experience would be beneficial. The University currently uses Powerproject software to produce its Gantt Chart programmes.

The University offers a compelling employer proposition including a positive approach to flexible working, significant investment in staff wellbeing and development, a very generous pension scheme and annual leave allowance, and access to campus facilities. There is also relocation support available for individuals seeking to relocate to the region to take up the position.

For a confidential briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors at The Management Recruitment Group: Charley McCarthy (charley.mccarthy@mrgglobal.com) or Nick Coppard (nicholas.coppard@mrgglobal.com). Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and should be sent to Charley McCarthy and Nick Coppard.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 10th September 2023.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.