Lead Planner

Location: Chadwell St Mary (Office-based with regular site visits)
Duration: Permanent

We’re looking for an experienced Lead Planner to join our client’s project delivery team, supporting the successful planning and execution of public works and construction projects.

Working closely with Project Managers, site teams and senior leadership, you’ll be responsible for developing, managing and monitoring project programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and in line with contractual and regulatory requirements. You’ll play a key role in coordinating resources, managing project risks and providing accurate reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Develop detailed project programmes, work breakdown structures (WBS) and activity schedules using planning software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
Monitor project progress against baseline programmes, identifying delays and implementing recovery plans where required.
Produce regular planning reports and progress updates for project teams, senior management and stakeholders.
Plan and coordinate labour, plant, materials and equipment to support efficient project delivery.
Identify programme risks and work collaboratively with project teams to implement mitigation strategies.
Liaise with Project Managers, site teams, subcontractors and external stakeholders to ensure project activities remain aligned with programme objectives.
Support budget control by working closely with commercial and cost management teams to ensure planning decisions align with financial objectives.
Manage programme changes, assess the impact of scope variations and communicate revised timelines to stakeholders.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, validate programme performance and identify potential risks or delays.
Ensure all planning activities comply with relevant industry standards, health and safety legislation and company procedures.
Provide leadership, mentoring and support to junior planners, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement across the planning function.

Requirements

Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in construction planning, ideally within public works, infrastructure or civil engineering projects.
Demonstrable experience using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or similar planning software.
Strong understanding of project planning principles, programme management and the full construction project lifecycle.
Experience developing and managing project schedules, resource plans and work breakdown structures (WBS).
Proven ability to monitor project performance, identify programme risks and implement effective recovery plans.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret project data and make informed planning decisions.
Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working alongside clients, contractors, site teams and senior leadership.
Good understanding of construction health and safety regulations and their integration into project planning.
Experience leading or mentoring planning teams is highly desirable.

Desirable

Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Experience working on public sector, infrastructure or large-scale civil engineering projects.
Knowledge of earned value management (EVM), critical path analysis and programme risk management.

If you’re an experienced construction planner with a strong background in project scheduling, stakeholder management and programme delivery, and are looking to take the lead on major construction or infrastructure projects, we’d love to hear from you.