Lead Work Planner

Lead Work Planner

Location: Haydock – Office based with parking on site

Employment type: Full Time Permanent

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

What’s in it for you…

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.​ 

• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP​ and Mental health support & counselling services​ 
• Cycle to Work scheme​ 
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more​! 
• Life assurance cover​ 
• Long service recognition​ 
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Paid volunteering opportunities in your community​ 

About the role…

The Lead Operational Work Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimising drainage maintenance activities across the network. The role ensures work is delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with regulatory and service standards, while supporting the work planners.

The role requires high levels of IT skills as there will be the need to create and distribute management spreadsheets, reports, and plans.

Reporting to the Planning Manager you will be able to confidently manage a busy workload on your own initiative and will adopt a flexible approach to your working day.

As a Lead Work Planner, you will be responsible for…

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop short- and medium-term work schedules for drainage operations
• Prioritise planned maintenance activities
• Allocate resources (teams, vehicles, equipment) efficiently
• Ensure work is sequenced to minimise disruption and maximise productivity

Operational Coordination

• Act as the link between field teams, supervisors, and management
• Monitor daily progress and adjust plans in real time
• Coordinate responses when required

Team Leadership

• Lead, support and develop work planners
• Provide coaching, training, and mentoring
• Set planning standards and ensure consistency across the team

Data & Systems Management

• Use planning and asset systems (e.g. ILJ, ILA, GIS tools) to schedule and track work
• Analyse performance data (KPIs, backlog, response times)
• Identify trends and recommend improvements

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all work complies with health & safety regulations and environmental standards
• Support risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Support permits, traffic management, and access requirements with the wider planning function

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with internal teams (operations, customer, streetworks, commercial)
• Coordinate with external supply chain and sub-contractors
• Support customer communication for planned works

About you…

Essential

• Strong planning/scheduling background
• Leadership or supervisory experience
• Good knowledge of health & safety practices
• Ability to work under pressure as part of a high performing team in a fast-moving environment

Desirable

• Experience in drainage, wastewater, or utilities operations
• Knowledge of sewer networks and drainage systems
• Experience with asset management/planning systems
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g. water industry standards)

Our commitment to Equal Opportunities...

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. 
Before applying, please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR. 

Next steps...

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