At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating and maintaining project schedules for major UK energy projects.
- Company: OCU is a leader in infrastructure engineering, specialising in utilities and energy markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join exciting projects shaping the UK's energy future while learning from experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: Basic knowledge of Primavera P6, strong Excel skills, and a UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Regular travel to Scotland, including Shetland, is part of the role.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Junior Planner – UK Infrastructure Projects (Energy Sector)
Location: UK-based (regular travel to Scotland, including Shetland)
Projects: Shetland, Eccles & associated large-scale schemes
Package: Competitive salary + benefits + career growth opportunities
OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it. Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
Shape the future of UK energy – one schedule at a time.
We’re looking for a driven Junior Planner to join our infrastructure team, supporting high-impact energy projects across the UK – including landmark works in Shetland and Eccles. If you’re early in your planning career and want hands-on exposure to some of the UK’s most exciting infrastructure schemes, this role offers the perfect mix of learning, variety, and responsibility.
What you’ll be doing
- Assist with creating, updating, and maintaining project schedules in Primavera P6, guided by experienced Senior Planners.
- Monitor progress, flag delays, and help keep projects on track against key milestones.
- Support the integration of contractor/subcontractor schedules into master programmes.
- Prepare schedule-based reports, dashboards, and critical path analysis.
- Contribute to risk planning and “what if” scenario analysis.
- Collaborate with delivery teams, engineers, and project managers both remotely and on site.
- Provide inputs to governance packs, internal updates, and client-facing presentations.
What you’ll bring
Essential:
- UK driving licence and willingness to travel (including Shetland).
- Basic understanding of Primavera P6 (or similar scheduling software).
- Strong Microsoft Excel and document management skills.
- Knowledge of project lifecycles in energy or infrastructure (pre-construction, construction, commissioning).
- Clear, confident communication skills.
Desirable:
- Exposure to energy sector projects (HV substations, grid connections, generation assets, or island infrastructure).
- Understanding of NEC/FIDIC contracts in relation to programme management.
- Familiarity with regulated infrastructure planning processes.
Why join us?
- Be part of nation-shaping energy projects.
- Learn directly from highly experienced planners.
- Hybrid working – balance home, office, and site-based work.
- Career progression into senior planning roles as you grow.
Apply now and take your first big step into the heart of the UK’s energy future.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior Planner OCU Services · North West employer: Opals Group
Contact Detail:
Opals Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Planner OCU Services · North West
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Primavera P6 and other scheduling software. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to boost your skills, as this will show your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the energy sector, especially those involved in infrastructure projects. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain a solid understanding of project lifecycles in energy or infrastructure. Research recent projects in the UK, particularly in Shetland and Eccles, to discuss them knowledgeably during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by practising how you would present schedule-based reports or critical path analyses. Being able to convey complex information clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Planner OCU Services · North West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Junior Planner role. Emphasise any experience with project lifecycles in energy or infrastructure, as well as your familiarity with Primavera P6 or similar software.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the energy sector and your eagerness to learn. Mention specific projects or aspects of OCU's work that excite you and explain how your background makes you a great fit for the team.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since clear communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with teams and present information clearly, both in writing and verbally.
Show Willingness to Travel: Mention your UK driving licence and your readiness to travel, including to Shetland. This shows your commitment to the role and your flexibility to meet the job's requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group
✨Show Your Passion for Energy Projects
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in the energy sector. Discuss any relevant projects or experiences that have sparked your interest in infrastructure and how you see yourself contributing to landmark works like those in Shetland and Eccles.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software. If you have any examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, share them to showcase your technical capabilities.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, emphasise your clear and confident communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in team settings or when presenting to clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly in risk planning and project delays. Think of 'what if' scenarios related to project management and be ready to discuss how you would approach these challenges.