Lead Planner

Reporting to: Head of PMO

Liaising with: Planners, Commercial team, Project managers, site manager’s, external stakeholders.

Hours of work: 45 hours per week

Department: PMO

Location: Snodland

Personal Attributes

The candidate will have a responsible approach to work, taking ownership for what they do, have a proactive, results-oriented focus; and are able to carry out tasks in a dynamic environment. They are willing and capable of assuming additional responsibilities; to work autonomously, and to commit to stringent deadlines. It is important for this role that the candidate has strong interpersonal skills as they will interact and work with people at all levels in the organization. Analytical thinking: strategical and logical thinking are vital to creating plans and producing reports. Leadership: helping the wider project team reach common milestones in line with the client’s expectations.

Technical Specification

Experience Required

• Extensive experience in project planning using Primavera P6.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel.
• Working experience of using Power Bi to produce reports.
• Knowledge of NEC3

Desirable Qualifications

• Higher level / degree level qualification preferred but not essential.

Role Purpose

As the Lead Planner, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of medium to large scale infrastructure projects. Reporting directly to the Head of PMO and Estimating and working closely with the delivery team, key stakeholders, and the client, you will be responsible for managing and developing comprehensive project and resource schedules, monitoring progress, cost-loading programmes and identifying potential risks and delays. Your expertise and strategic thinking will be influential in optimizing project timelines and resource allocation, enabling the successful completion of our projects within budget and on time.

As the lead planner the role also includes project controls across the programme.

• Identifying and mange resources along with any project deviation or slippage.
• Ensure that all issues within the programme are highlighted and understood by senior management and provide appropriate planning advice.
• Managing the risk profile across the programme, identifying and assessment of risks
• Cost estimating and management.
• Earned Value Management.
• Supplier Performance.
• Maintaining the baseline.
• Reporting.

Role Summary

• Manage the development and maintenance of project schedules using Primavera P6 and MS Project, ensuring accuracy and adherence to project requirements.
• Engage with the delivery team and key stakeholders to define project objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Manage comprehensive analysis of project scope, identifying critical paths, dependencies, and potential risks.
• Monitor project progress, tracking key milestones, and providing regular updates to project stakeholders.
• Identify potential delays, conflicts, or resource constraints and propose appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular progress meetings, coordinating with project teams to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting.
• Evaluate and improve planning processes and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide support during project audits and reviews, ensuring compliance with project schedules and contractual obligations.
• Stay updated with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements related to project planning.
• Understand the contractual arrangements of the programme and ensure that they are not compromised due to planning issues and providing scenario plans for mitigation.
• Providing support and advice to site, construction, and delivery teams.
• Attend project meetings, present project information and update of the programme.
• Ensure all planning activities are carried out in line with the requirements of the company’s Integrated Management System and its procedures and to identify opportunities for improvements to be made.
• Provide sufficiently accurate data to project teams to ensure the project complies and delivers company financial targets.
• Undertake any other ad hoc duties.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days annual leave
• Car allowance (if deemed business user) - £5,670 per annum
• Access to Group Pension Scheme after completion of probation
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover if joining pension scheme
• Healthcare cover for employee only
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme & Medicash after successful completion of probation
• Continuous Development Opportunities