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- Tasks: Lead and manage complex construction schedules for the Apollo project.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in delivering critical infrastructure across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with project management tools and strong understanding of construction principles required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Join Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team as a Senior Planning Engineer - Substations on the Apollo project near Avonmouth. As a Senior Planning Engineer, you will develop and manage complex construction project schedules, working closely with site teams and project managers to ensure resource optimization, adherence to timelines, and successful project delivery.
Your Impact Will Include:
- Leading the creation and oversight of detailed construction schedules and programmes
- Implementing advanced planning and scheduling techniques to improve efficiency
- Mentoring junior planners and supporting team development
- Integrating time, cost, and resource planning into project delivery
- Collaborating with stakeholders to align planning strategies with project goals
- Identifying and mitigating risks to timelines or deliverables
What you’ll be doing:
- Ensuring programme content complies with planning procedures and guidance
- Identifying planning scope, constraints, contract requirements, and factors affecting the programme
- Developing strategic and optimized sequences and methodologies for tendering, ensuring efficient design, procurement, and construction strategies
- Producing comprehensive planning deliverables, including programs, reports, and presentations, with a focus on accuracy and strategic insight
- Managing the Contract Programme at the contract stage, collaborating closely with the Planning/Project Lead
- Analyzing project critical path, advising the team on corrective actions, and maintaining project baselines
- Managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently to meet project objectives
- Monitoring and resolving issues related to contracts with subcontractors and suppliers
- Providing strategic planning oversight and mentoring less experienced planners
- Producing project data and KPIs to track progress and support data-driven decisions
Who we’re looking for:
- Proficiency with project management tools such as Excel, MS Project, Primavera P6, or ASTA
- Strong understanding of construction project management principles and methodologies
- Expertise in project scheduling and management of complex schedules
- Knowledge of tender and contract documents and specifications
- Experience with risk management tools like TRA, QSRA, etc.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven track record in leading planning efforts for construction projects
Why work for us:
We deliver impactful projects under challenging conditions, developing and maintaining vital infrastructure and public spaces that support communities and economies. We support our staff's professional development, including reimbursing professional membership fees, and offer a range of benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 37.5-hour workweek, Monday to Friday
- Company DC pension scheme (up to 5% EE, 7% ER)
- Company car
- Hybrid working options
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Opportunities for professional qualifications
- Employee assistance program
- Up to 2 days volunteering per year
About us:
Our teams deliver a range of services supporting power supply reliability globally, from small schemes to major projects. We work with regional and international electricity network owners, providing solutions across overhead lines, tunnels, distribution networks, and substations. Our expertise spans all project phases, from feasibility to maintenance, supported by innovative solutions and industry-leading resources. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives and memberships supporting this goal, and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, including armed forces personnel and individuals with disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and signatories to various inclusion initiatives.
Senior Planning Engineer - Substations employer: Balfour Beatty
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Engineer - Substations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Apollo project and Balfour Beatty's Power T&D team. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Balfour Beatty, especially those in planning roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your skills with project management tools like Primavera P6 and MS Project. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during practical assessments or discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex schedules and mitigated risks in past projects. Having concrete examples ready will help you illustrate your experience and problem-solving abilities effectively during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Engineer - Substations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management and scheduling, particularly with tools like Excel, MS Project, or Primavera P6. Emphasise any previous roles where you led planning efforts for construction projects.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise in managing complex schedules and collaborating with stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in risk management tools and your understanding of construction project management principles. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully identified and mitigated risks in past projects.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with planning and scheduling techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored junior planners and contributed to team development in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Senior Planning Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency with project management tools like Excel, MS Project, and Primavera P6. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully used these tools to manage complex schedules.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire construction project lifecycle, from feasibility to maintenance. Highlight your experience in managing different phases of projects and how you’ve contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding risk management and timeline optimisation. Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced and how you mitigated risks to keep projects on track.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with stakeholders and mentored junior planners in previous positions. Share examples that showcase your ability to align planning strategies with project goals.
