Planning Lead (12 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Job Description

The Organisation Effectiveness (OE) team is central to delivering our ambition of becoming a digital‑first, next‑generation ecosystem player. As the Planning Lead, you will bring together our strategic and transformational programme activity into a single, cohesive plan that supports the organisation’s priorities over the next 3–5 years.

In this role, you will provide planning and governance leadership across a complex transformation landscape, working closely with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment, manage interdependencies and enable informed decision‑making. You will use your Planning & Governance expertise to create robust programme plans, establish clear processes and maintain governance discipline across all OE and People & Transformation initiatives.

This is a high‑impact position offering visibility, influence and the opportunity to shape how we deliver change, strengthen ways of working and improve the employee experience across the organisation

Who we are

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we’re building a more connected future for everyone.

Our ways of working

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person.

That doesn’t just mean time in the office, it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days - anywhere meaningful collaboration happens. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

The must haves

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience;

• Proven experience delivering large‑scale, complex, multi‑functional programme plans with strong governance and rigour.
• Strong Planning & Governance expertise, with the ability to bring structure, prioritisation and clarity to complex environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills, able to influence at all levels and act as a trusted bridge for senior leadership.
• Strong consultancy skills, including crafting high‑quality Executive‑level materials.
• Experience managing competing demands across multiple teams in a fast‑paced, evolving organisation.

The other stuff we are looking for

We'd also love you to bring;

• Experience working within a Joint Venture, Merger or Acquisition environment.
• Comfortable operating in a complex, rapidly changing organisation.
• Experience contributing to or delivering HR transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of agile programme management methodologies.
• A passion for delivering world‑class employee experiences, with a curious and self‑motivated mindset

What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We strive to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are built to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've applied the next steps of the process, if successful, will include an online psychometric assessment, competency based interview and a case study exercise.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing a curiosity about joining the Virgin Media O2 family.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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