Manas Bedse: Project Planner

Manas Bedse

MSc Engineering Business Management, 2023

Based in: Birmingham

Formerly from: India

First job:

Sales Assistant at NEXT store in Coventry

Project Planner JRL Group - Midgard Ltd.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

As a Project Planner, I am responsible for developing and maintaining project schedules across all stages, including design, procurement and construction. I play a key role in conducting delay and critical path analysis to ensure that milestones are met efficiently. By closely monitoring progress and comparing planned vs. actual timelines, I help in identifying potential bottlenecks and proposing solutions to mitigate delays. I work collaboratively with design, commercial and site operations teams, ensuring risks are assessed early and addressed proactively. I also lead weekly progress meetings with subcontractors across various trades, such as Concrete Frame, Façade, Fit-Out, and Landscaping, to gather updates and align schedules accordingly. Additionally, I use ASTA Powerproject software to monitor project performance and generate weekly/fortnightly reports that support decision-making for senior management and clients.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

My favourite part of my role is the problem-solving aspect — analysing project schedules, identifying potential delays, and finding solutions to keep everything on track. I enjoy conducting critical path analysis and working closely with different teams to proactively mitigate risks. One of the most exciting aspects of my job is the on-site experience, especially working on one of the tallest buildings in the city. Being physically present on-site, overseeing progress, and ensuring that planned activities align with actual execution gives me a real-world perspective on project management.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Studying at Warwick through the MSc Engineering Business Management gave me a solid foundation in both technical and managerial skills. I developed strong stakeholder communication and time management skills, which have been crucial in my current role where I coordinate with multiple teams and manage tight deadlines. My time at Warwick allowed me to build confidence and skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and professionalism have been especially valuable in my day-to-day role.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

When I chose to study at Warwick, my goal was to pursue a career in consulting, ideally within project management, where I could combine technical understanding with strategic thinking. While I eventually found myself in the construction sector, I’m still very much aligned with my original ambition - working in project planning and management on large-scale projects. The core of what I do involves the same principles I was aiming for: solving complex problems, coordinating teams, and driving projects forward efficiently.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

For Warwick graduates aiming to enter this sector, my top advice would be to stay open to opportunities, even if they don’t align exactly with your initial plan. Roles in construction or infrastructure planning can offer incredible exposure to project management in action. Build your foundation in planning tools like Primavera P6, MS Project or ASTA Powerproject. Also, don’t underestimate the value of on-site experience. Being on the ground helps you connect theory with real-world challenges, which is key to becoming an effective planner or project manager. And finally, be proactive — ask questions, seek mentorship, and always look for ways to improve processes.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day starts with catching up on emails, reviewing my to-do list, and wrapping up any pending tasks from the previous day. I then gear up in PPE and head out for a site walk to assess progress first-hand. This is followed by meetings with the site team or coordinating with the commercial or design teams if needed, ensuring everyone is aligned on the programme. I spend a good part of the day tracking project schedules, monitoring progress on ASTA Powerproject, and analysing any deviations — if an activity is falling behind, I assess its impact on the overall timeline and discuss mitigation strategies with the Project Director. I also create/update drawings markups on Bluebeam software as required. Before wrapping up, I plan my priorities for the next day - and to keep a healthy balance, I usually head to the gym after work to unwind and reset.

What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?

For current students or recent alumni, the key to moving your career forward is to gain practical experience as early as possible, whether through internships, part-time roles, or even volunteering for projects. Get involved in as many campus activities, whether through clubs, volunteer work, or competitions, as they provide opportunities to grow your network and build skill set. Staying open to new experiences will help you grow and adapt to opportunities as they arise.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

One thing I wish I had known when applying for jobs is how valuable it is to have at least a working understanding of planning software like Primavera P6, MS Project, or ASTA Powerproject. I also realised that your first role doesn’t define your entire career, it’s more about gaining experience and being open to learning. Building a network, staying confident in your transferable skills, and being proactive about upskilling early on can really make a difference.