Senior Project Planner in Havant

As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence. We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment.

We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations.

Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology. From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex.

About us: AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions. We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.

Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for a Senior Project Planner to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation.

Role Purpose: This is a strategic role responsible for the development, maintenance, and control of detailed project schedules using Oracle Primavera P6 and/or MS Projects. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring that complex projects are delivered on time and within budget by providing accurate forecasting, critical path analysis, and robust risk management support. The role requires a deep understanding of project planning principles and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain detailed, resource-loaded project schedules in Primavera P6 and/or MS Projects across the full project lifecycle, from initiation through to close-out.
• Conduct rigorous critical path analysis to identify and manage schedule risks, dependencies, and constraints, ensuring timely project completion.
• Monitor project progress daily/weekly, track task completion, and report variances against the agreed baseline schedule.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, commercial, and project management teams to gather accurate progress data and integrate all project elements into the master schedule.
• Prepare and present regular project performance reports, including Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics, to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage and forecast resource requirements, ensuring effective resource allocation and levelling within Primavera P6.
• Develop 'what-if' scenarios and recovery schedules to mitigate potential delays and impacts, providing proactive solutions to project challenges.
• Implement and maintain the project controls system, ensuring strict adherence to company standards, industry best practices, and client requirements.

Skills and Experience:

• Expert-level proficiency in using Oracle Primavera P6 and MS Projects for scheduling, resource loading, and progress reporting.
• Experience with other planning software (e.g. Tilos).
• Strong understanding of planning principles, scheduling techniques, and project control methodologies (e.g., Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management).
• Experience in the UK Water Infrastructure industry, or construction sectors.
• Proven, extensive experience as a Project Planner or similar role within a complex, large-scale project environment.
• Experience managing schedules for Tier 1 contractors or similar strategic projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex schedule information clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to influence project teams.
• Business management skills and a determined approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications and Education:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a dedicated project planning role, with a significant focus on Primavera P6 and MS Projects.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., APM Project Management Qualification, PMP, or a specific Primavera P6 certification are a significant advantage.
• A degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field is highly desirable.

Salary and benefits:

• Medicash plan
• Car Allowance
• Life insurance
• Benefits portal
• Company pension
• 26 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

At AFECO, we value our employees and encourage and support them to develop themselves and their career through training and progression. We offer the opportunity to work on a range of project types and sizes in the water sector including our own internally developed products and solutions. We are a privately owned business with a friendly and open culture and are dedicated to creating and maintaining a workforce that is highly skilled and motivated. As a company, we are committed to equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, sex, disability or age. Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.