Job Title

Head of Planning Hybrid / UK-based (Desirable locations: Manchester, Liverpool, Preston - remote considered) Outside IR35 Active SC Clearance required ASAP Start Duration: TBC - likely 6 months iO Associates are working exclusively with one of our long-standing consultancy clients to deliver a key contract requirement for a Head of Planning to support a high-profile programme of work. This is an urgent requirement offering the opportunity to operate in a strategic leadership role within a secure and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and leading planning activity across a complex programme, ensuring robust governance, timely delivery, and alignment with organisational objectives. There may also be a mentoring element to the role, including supporting and upskilling of the client-side planning teams through knowledge sharing and collaborative working. Key Responsibilities: Lead the design, development, and management of programme and project planning frameworks Define and embed planning standards, tools, and best practices across the delivery environment Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to ensure integrated delivery plans and resource alignment Identify and manage planning-related risks, issues, and dependencies Contribute to planning governance, performance monitoring, and reporting cycles Support mentoring and skills transfer to client-side planning professionals where appropriate Requirements: Strong experience in a senior planning role (e.g. Head of Planning, Programme Planning Lead) within large or complex environments Background in government, defence, or secure/public sector programmes Proficiency with planning tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at senior level Active SC clearance is essential Experience in mentoring or supporting the development of junior or client-side teams is desirable Please don't hesitate to apply if you hold SC Clearance and are in the Project Planning space. We have multiple roles with this client from Project Planners right up to Head of Planning TPBN1_UKTJ