Area Planner in Bridgwater, Somerset

We are looking for an Area Planner to support the delivery of one of Europe's largest and most complex nuclear new-build programmes. The role will operate across multidisciplinary scopes, including Civils, Mechanical, Electrical, HVAC, Instrumentation & Controls, and associated Balance of Plant activities. Working within a highly regulated project environment, the Area Planner will be responsible for producing and maintaining robust, fully integrated schedules that provide accurate visibility of progress, critical paths, risks, dependencies and forecasts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules and Integrated Work Schedules (IWS) aligned with the project's Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Produce fully logic-linked plans covering activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the project's integrated planning framework.
• Maintain alignment between strategic programme schedules and detailed delivery schedules, from high-level milestones through to detailed construction activities.
• Monitor project progress, productivity, milestones, dependencies and critical-path activities.
• Analyse schedule performance and provide clear, accurate insights to support project decision-making.
• Identify schedule risks, opportunities, constraints and emerging trends, recommending appropriate corrective actions where required.
• Support project and area management teams in assessing risks and opportunities using reliable planning and performance data.
• Produce accurate and timely planning and schedule reports in accordance with established reporting cycles.
• Review and challenge delivery schedules to ensure they support overall project objectives.
• Support the development and maintenance of baseline schedules and challenge delivery strategies where appropriate.
• Integrate contractor and supply-chain schedules into the overall programme.
• Ensure scheduling standards, procedures and project controls requirements are consistently followed.
• Support the effective management of schedule changes, including trend and change processes, impact assessments and performance indicators.
• Work closely with Project Controls disciplines including Cost, Estimating, Risk and Change Management.
• Analyse complex project information and translate it into clear insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Capture and share lessons learned to support continuous improvement across the Planning function.
• Maintain appropriate controls over project documentation and sensitive information in accordance with applicable nuclear security and project procedures.

The Area Planner will work closely with:

• Integrated Planning leadership.
• Programme and Area Directors and Leads.
• Project and Construction Management teams.
• Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing and Commissioning teams.
• Project Controls teams, including Cost, Risk, Estimating and Change.
• Contractors and supply-chain partners.
• Quality, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal and other project support functions.
• Schedule Assurance and reporting teams.

Essential Skills

• Strong understanding of planning, scheduling and project controls methodologies.
• Demonstrable experience developing and maintaining complex integrated project schedules.
• Advanced understanding of schedule logic, dependencies, critical-path analysis and forecasting.
• Ability to produce accurate, complete and fully logic-linked construction and project schedules.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex commercial, technical and schedule information and turn it into concise project insights.
• Strong understanding of how project changes and decisions can affect schedule performance and the overall project risk profile.
• Experience working across organisational and contractual boundaries with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of EPC project delivery methodologies within major construction or infrastructure environments.
• Understanding of wider Project Controls disciplines, particularly Cost, Estimating, Risk and Change Management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or another relevant discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working within a Planning or Project Controls function on a large, complex project or programme.
• Experience within a highly regulated industry, ideally nuclear, energy, power generation, major infrastructure, oil & gas or a comparable engineering environment.
• Proven experience managing and integrating schedules involving multiple contractors, disciplines and stakeholders.
• Practical experience applying integrated planning frameworks and methodologies to major project delivery.
• Strong experience using planning and project controls systems to support complex engineering and construction projects.
• Proven ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and manage competing project priorities.
• Previous experience within nuclear new build, power generation or major infrastructure projects would be highly advantageous.

Tools & Software

• Candidates should have strong working knowledge of relevant planning and project controls software, including:
• Primavera P6 – Planning and Scheduling.
• Synchro– 4D Planning / Modelling.
• Deltek Acumen Fuse – Schedule Analysis.
• Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Power BI – Reporting and Business Intelligence.

Join Our ACEPP UK Team and Thrive - Here's What Awaits You:

• Fast access to private healthcare, including dental – for you and your family.
• Professional Membership Subscription: We cover annual subscriptions (including bodies like IChemE) so you can maintain your professional status without the cost.
• Electric Car Scheme: Drive an EV through salary sacrifice with EZOO – save money and lower your carbon footprint.
• Up to 7% employer match (14% total contribution) to help build your long-term financial security.
• An additional paid day each year – because balance matters.
• Ongoing learning opportunities to sharpen your skills and support your progression.
• Save on a new bike through tax-efficient payments – healthier commute, lower cost.
• Access discounts, rewards and everyday savings across leading brands.
• Bring great people into the business and get rewarded.
• We offer a Relocation Package to help make your transition smooth and stress-free if you're moving to join us.
• If you're a reservist, we support your service with dedicated Reservist Days, allowing you to balance both career and service.
• Group life insurance for added peace of mind.

And that’s just the start – speak to our team to explore the full benefits package.