Project Planner in Northumberland

Location: Northumberland

Hours: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience, car allowance

About the Role

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Project Planner to join our growing project delivery team. You’ll play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of complex engineering and construction projects — helping ensure that every stage runs smoothly, efficiently, and to plan. Working closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Teams, you’ll take ownership of project schedules, monitor progress, and provide the insight and data that keeps projects on track. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the success of major projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Control

• Develop, update, and manage detailed project programmes across tender, design, construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Work with Project Managers and engineering teams to agree key milestones and deliverables.
• Track project progress, produce regular reports, and highlight potential risks or delays.
• Forecast potential issues early and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and present earned value analysis (EVA) and S-curve progress reports.
• Ensure clear communication between project stakeholders to maintain alignment and meet deadlines.

• Produce and manage procurement schedules to support timely delivery of materials and subcontractor packages.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure critical path items are identified and monitored.
• Support the Project Manager in managing supplier relationships and maintaining schedule integrity throughout the procurement phase.

• Collaborate closely with site teams to align planning data with real-time project activity.
• Conduct regular site visits to review progress and verify programme accuracy.
• Attend project and client meetings to report on status, forecasts, and key performance indicators.
• Prepare short-term “look-ahead” schedules to guide site activities.
• Support the preparation of close-out and handover programmes to ensure timely project completion.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• HNC or equivalent qualification in Construction, Building Services, or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in project planning within an engineering, construction, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of MS Project (experience with Primavera or SureTrak advantageous).
• Confident preparing and analysing Earned Value (EVA) and performance reports.
• Understanding of design and construction sequencing and dependencies.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Desirable:

• Experience in complex or highly regulated project environments (e.g., life sciences, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing).
• Knowledge of company safety and quality procedures.
• Experience managing or contributing to full turnkey project delivery.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Exposure to diverse, technically challenging projects.

About You

You’re a methodical and analytical thinker who enjoys turning project data into meaningful insight. You take ownership of your work, thrive under pressure, and can communicate confidently with colleagues at all levels. Most importantly, you’re passionate about ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and successfully.