Planners & Senior Planners

Vertical Recruitment is supporting a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the appointment of Planners and Senior Planners to join its growing Manchester team.

With a strong pipeline of major commissions across the infrastructure sector, the business is continuing to expand its planning and project controls offering, creating multiple opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers.

The positions will involve working on significant programmes across power, nuclear, utilities and wider infrastructure, providing planning and programme management expertise across complex, high-value projects.

These opportunities would suit experienced Planners looking to develop their careers on major infrastructure programmes, as well as established Senior Planners seeking greater responsibility, client exposure and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of an expanding service offering.

The Opportunity

You'll be responsible for developing, managing and monitoring project programmes across a varied portfolio of major infrastructure commissions.

Working closely with Project Managers, commercial and design teams, contractors and clients, you'll provide the planning expertise needed to support effective project delivery, identify potential programme risks and ensure key milestones are achieved.

Depending on your experience, responsibilities will range from supporting programme development and reporting through to taking ownership of complex schedules, advising clients on programme performance and contributing to the development of the wider planning function.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and maintain detailed project programmes from pre-construction through to completion.
• Prepare and update project schedules using Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject or other relevant planning software.
• Monitor programme performance, critical paths, key milestones and progress against agreed schedules.
• Identify potential delays, risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation strategies and programme recovery plans.
• Review contractor programmes and provide programme analysis, reporting and recommendations.
• Work closely with project, commercial, design and delivery teams to ensure effective coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support tender and pre-construction planning, programme assurance and wider project controls activities.
• Assess the programme implications of changes, variations and compensation events.
• Provide clear programme updates and advice to clients and project stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continued development of planning processes, reporting and best practice.
• At Senior Planner level, take greater ownership of commissions and support the development of junior colleagues.

About You

We're interested in speaking with Planners and Senior Planners who have experience working within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure or major capital projects.

Experience across power, nuclear, energy, utilities or other major infrastructure programmes would be particularly relevant, although candidates from other complex project environments are also encouraged to get in touch.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Proven experience in project planning, scheduling and programme management.
• Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.
• A good understanding of planning techniques, critical path analysis and project controls.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts, change control and associated programme requirements.
• Experience developing and managing programmes across different stages of the project lifecycle.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify programme risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Experience working collaboratively with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Relevant qualifications in construction, engineering, project management or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Existing security clearance would be beneficial, particularly for certain nuclear and infrastructure commissions. Specific clearance requirements will depend on the project.

What's On Offer

• Multiple opportunities at Planner and Senior Planner level.
• Involvement in major infrastructure programmes across power, nuclear and utilities.
• The opportunity to join an established consultancy continuing to expand its planning and project controls offering.
• Exposure to complex, high-value projects and established infrastructure clients.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• The chance to contribute to the growth and development of the planning function.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment alongside experienced project professionals.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including pension, annual leave and ongoing professional development.

The consultancy is primarily looking to make permanent appointments, although there is flexibility to speak with strong candidates who may be interested in alternative arrangements.

With multiple requirements across its Manchester team, the business is open to conversations with Planners at different levels of experience.

If you're considering your next move or would like to find out more about the opportunities available, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.