PACE ADVISORY LTD

Lead Project Planner Location: Newcastle Sector: Company Overview Our client is a premier, family-owned construction leader with an expansive global footprint. Known for delivering high-value, complex projects, they are committed to innovation and excellence. They foster a culture of trust and certainty, consistently shaping the future of the built environment. They are currently seeking a strategic Lead Planner to join their team in Newcastle The Role The Lead Planner will take ownership of the planning function for major assigned projects, ensuring that programme development, monitoring, and controls align perfectly with project objectives. Reporting to the Regional Planning Manager, you will act as a pivotal link between commercial, design, and construction teams. You will provide essential leadership to project planning teams, driving safe, efficient, and compliant execution from pre-construction through to final delivery. Key Responsibilities Programme Management: Develop and maintain comprehensive project programmes across pre-construction, procurement, and construction phases. Strategic Planning: Identify critical paths, dependencies, and key milestones; prepare scenario planning, resource-loaded programmes, and recovery plans as needed. Project Controls: Monitor progress against the baseline, identify potential delays, and implement effective mitigation measures. Reporting & Analytics: Produce high-level programme reports, dashboards, and metrics for internal and external stakeholders. Change Management: Support the change process by providing accurate impact analysis regarding design or scope variations. Stakeholder Liaison: Collaborate with Project Managers, clients, and subcontractors to ensure total alignment on programme requirements and milestones. Risk & Compliance: Proactively identify programme risks and ensure all activities meet contractual, company, and statutory obligations. Leadership: Mentor and guide junior planners, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and best practice across the Dublin region. Requirements Required: Education: Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience: Proven track record of planning complex, large-scale construction projects within a main contracting environment. Software Skills: High level of proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar industry-standard software. Desirable: Membership of a recognised professional body (APM, PMI, CIOB, etc.). Experience in the seamless integration of design and procurement within construction planning. Familiarity with BIM integration, cost management systems, and advanced risk management tools. Ready to Step Forward? Embrace this chance to progress in your career. For more details and to apply, connect with the top recruiter for Project Controls professionals, Marion Keating PACE welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. PACE is Disability Confident Committed and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

ABOUT THE ROLE We are recruiting on behalf of a leading consultancy operating in sectors including infrastructure, transport, energy, defence, and built environment. Whether you are an experienced Risk Manager looking for a step up, or a seasoned Senior ready for a flagship programme, we have live briefs to suit. Roles are offered on a permanent basis with competitive packages reflective of your level and experience. These opportunities offer: Hybrid working 2 to 3 days per week in London offices or on-site Exposure to high-profile, complex infrastructure programmes Clear career progression pathways within client organisations Collaborative, high-performing project controls environments Responsibilities will vary by level and client, but typically include: Developing, maintaining, and continuously improving the project risk management framework and risk register Facilitating and leading risk identification workshops with cross-functional project teams and stakeholders Conducting qualitative and quantitative risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulation tools (e.g. Primavera Risk ARM) Producing risk reports, risk dashboards, and executive-level briefings for Project Directors and clients Integrating risk outputs with cost and schedule models to support robust contingency and opportunity management Monitoring risk mitigation actions and tracking risk trends through the project lifecycle Supporting Early Warning Notice (EWN) processes and change control in line with NEC or bespoke contract frameworks Mentoring junior project controls staff and contributing to team capability development (Senior) Leading risk strategy for portfolios or multiple concurrent work packages (Senior) Acting as primary risk interface with clients, JV partners, and supply chain Demonstrable experience in a Risk Management or Project Controls role on infrastructure, construction, or engineering programmes Proficiency in quantitative risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation Strong working knowledge of risk registers, risk matrices, and risk reporting Experience with NEC3/NEC4 or other standard forms of contract Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills A degree (or equivalent) in engineering, project management, quantity surveying, or a related discipline Desirable: APM, IRM, or equivalent professional qualification Experience on programmes procured through frameworks such as Highways England, Network Rail, or TfL Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and programme-level controls Familiarity with digital risk tools and data visualisation platforms (e.g. Power BI, Tableau)