Job Description
Senior Planning Manager (Ireland) Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years To build your career by assisting in the delivery of 'leading edge' engineering projects. To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards. To benefit from Kirby's Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability. To work with the best. Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations About Kirby Group Engineering Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of 'blue chip' companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance. Role Purpose As a Senior Planning Manager you will be tasked to lead and effectively manage, the planning, controls, programme risk identification and forensics scope for a large portfolio of multi-jurisdictional projects thereby ensuring the Regional Planning Teams influence a successful time and cost outcome on projects through consistent implementation of internal process and active demonstration of the required Behaviours. To ensure that the Planning Function successfully and consistently delivers upon the 3 key elements of Service, Consultancy and Governance. To lead at enhancing the Planning Teams trusted advisors role to the varying levels within the core areas of Operations, Commercial and Contracts. To actively contribute towards a successful project outcome by promoting greater cross-functional collaboration while championing the early identification of programme risk, and supporting the mitigation of same (& capitalising on opportunity) across pre-construction, construction, and commissioning. Key Functions of the Senior Planning Manager Building, leading and developing high performance Project Planning teams, mentoring & supporting the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams by regularly spending time with them on their projects Ensure the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams are delivering upon their R&R, implementing and complying with internal planning and controlling processes - Escalation to AD where this is not the case Where Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams are unable to successfully deliver upon any part of their R&R due to external influences, intervene to support and correct - escalate to AD & BUL Provide early warnings and escalation of risk items to the AD & BUL's Demonstrate leadership at increasing collaboration with project pre-construction and turnover teams Development of SOP's and processes and leading the implementation of same Lead in planning negotiations with Clients on required major projects Internal consulting concerning schedule risk, opportunity and forecasting to completion Continual improvement of services offered to our Operations Teams Ensuring contractual compliance of programmes & supporting entitlement claim development and client negotiations through application of forensic techniques Senior Planning Manager Responsibilities In conjunction with your project team, you will be responsible for the execution of various stages of a projects as follows: Regularly review and challenge the information produced by the Regional Planning Teams Develop and implement internal collaborative planning training and onsite executions Championing collaborative planning, the implementation of the Planning Process (and Kirby Way), Front End Loading of Schedules and ensuring Operations are involved in the process Ensuring the Regional Planning Managers / Leads Teams are simply communicating plans, critical paths and targets to Operations Ensuring the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams are regularly reforecasting the plans & targets to recover deficits and producing rolling project look ahead Ensuring the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams implemented SE reporting Ensuring the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams supports in the implementation of FWTG Ensuring the service provided to Operations by the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams is consistently of a high standard Ensuring the internal consulting to Operations by the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams is effective and focus on obtaining and efficient and favourable outcome to Kirby Ensuring risk is identified early and the key governance roles are carried out by the Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams are effective and flag / escalate risk items early Standardization of how plans and programmes are developed to enable automated reporting Development of SOP's and processes and leading the implementation of same Lead in planning negotiations with Clients on major projects and ensuring our internal teams processes are setup and implemented Championing increased collaboration with project pre-construction and turnover in project planning Quarterly KPI Reporting, Planning Function Scorecard Monthly reporting to the AD Planning & Projects Risk (risk register, manpower, SE etc.) Ensure monthly meetings are taking place Regional Planning Managers / Planning Teams to review the status of the projects (& Planning audit scores) Regularly perform programme drop-line reviews with Operations teams highlighting under performance (minute meetings) Attend internal monthly Business Unit meetings with the Operations Manager and Commercial Manager Inform Operations of progress and performance related issues Propose solutions and options to project teams on ways to improve progress and performance related issues Ensuring that optimum staffing levels are maintained within Planning of adequately skilled team members Senior staff development via mentoring and coaching of the desired behavioural attributes Junior staff development plan - technical competency based Team performance management Ensure the correct software's and IT supporting tools are chosen and utilised Ensure the Group Pre-Construction Team receive the required support in bid preparation Attend relevant internal / external meetings as required Necessary requirement of the Senior Planning Manager Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or strong trades background (Mechanical or Electrical) with relevant experience will be considered. Minimum 8-10 years of experience in planning and scheduling within the Construction Industry (with emphasis on Mechanical & Electrical), with at least 3-5 years in a senior planning role. Extensive experience in M&E construction is essential. Proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, and other relevant planning software. Experience with complex, large-scale construction projects, particularly in Data Centre, Pharmaceutical, Industrial orientated sectors. Desired Competencies / special role requirements Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of M&E systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire systems) and how they integrate with broader construction activities. Proficient in scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project). Project Management: Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices, particularly in large-scale construction projects. Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively. Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to foresee potential scheduling issues and implement solutions proactively. Commercial Awareness: Sound understanding of cost management and budgeting principles related to construction projects. Risk Management: Skilled in identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to prevent delays and cost overruns. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Continue to Application below.