At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage project programmes for construction projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join AKELA Construction, a leading civil engineering contractor with a strong focus on safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work on exciting projects.
- Other info: Work in vibrant cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh with occasional site visits.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the future of construction and energy sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience with scheduling software and a background in civil engineering or construction management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
AKELA Construction is a leading Civil Engineering contractor with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Derby. Founded in 2003, AKELA Construction operates across Scotland and England spanning the Energy, Residential and Civil Engineering sectors. Focussing on self-delivery we have over 250 employees and a wide range of plant to deliver our project needs. Our business priorities remain the same today as they always have; to work safely and to deliver our projects on time, on budget and to exceed customer expectations. With this approach, we aim to build long-term customer relationships resulting in repeat business.
Working across the private and public sectors, we have become a partner of choice for Energy, Civil Engineering and Residential project delivery. We can operate as both Principal and Subcontractor to suit our customers’ requirements. Our business ethos is that we self-deliver wherever possible and we only use subcontractors for specialist activities. This gives us greater control of health, safety and environmental practices, programme, training and quality.
As the business enters an exciting next stage – including expansion within the energy sector and continued diversification of its revenue streams – AKELA is seeking to appoint a Construction Project Planner to develop, implement and manage our contract programmes. The role will report to our Operations Manager and work closely with the Project teams, QS' and Estimating function.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, monitor and maintain detailed project programmes for both tender and construction phases of projects
- Develop WBS aligned with project scope of works
- Ensure programmes are fully NEC 3 & 4 compliant to:
- Ensure acceptance by client
- Assess programme impact of change
- Support compensation event assessments
- Identify delay drivers
- Maintain records for programme substantiation
- Contribute to extension of time / entitlement support where relevant
- Load programmes with resource and cost allocations producing S curves and histograms for budgeting and forecast purposes
- Track and report progress against plans, updating schedules and producing programme narratives for monthly updates
- Critical path analysis and plan sequences of works to maximise efficiencies
- Collaborate closely with project, site and works managers to ensure effective delivery of project programmes
- Identify potential risks and delays and develop mitigation strategies by:
- Programme risk reviews with relevant operational teams or stakeholders
- Scenario testing / “what-if” analysis
- Opportunities to shorten programme duration
- Interface risks between subcontractors, utilities, design, procurement and site delivery
- Cost management and variance analysis
- Support Procurement & Design by:
- Co-ordinating programme logic with design deliverables
- Linking programme to procurement schedules
- Tracking long lead items
- Managing interfaces with utilities, approvals, consents, third parties
- Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality integration of programmes by including:
- Safe sequencing of works
- Temporary works constraints
- Environmental restrictions / permit windows
- Quality hold points / inspection stages
Key Skills and Qualifications:
- Expert knowledge of scheduling software including Primavera P6 & Microsoft Project - ASTA power project is desirable but not essential
- Strong experience and understanding of construction methods, specifically in the civil engineering and energy sectors
- Proficiency and experience in NEC3 & NEC4 contract programmes and management
- Good communication skills to collaborate with office, site and stakeholder teams
- An analytical thinker with attention to detail and having the ability and confidence to challenge operational teams
- Commercial awareness
- Proficiency in risk, process and change management
- Microsoft 365
- Full UK driver’s licence
- HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or similar
- Relevant planning / project controls qualification (desirable)
- CSCS card
Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh, with occasional site visits
Project Planner employer: Akela Group
AKELA Construction is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, quality, and employee development within a collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on self-delivery and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations, employees benefit from diverse project opportunities across the energy, residential, and civil engineering sectors. The company's expansion plans and emphasis on training ensure that team members can grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects in vibrant locations like Glasgow and Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AKELA Construction and understanding their projects and values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills as a Project Planner align with their focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise with scheduling software! Be ready to discuss your experience with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used these tools to manage projects effectively, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet AKELA's project planning needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AKELA Construction. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities and make sure your CV highlights your relevant skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Planner role. Highlight your experience with scheduling software like Primavera P6 and your understanding of NEC contracts. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about construction and how you can contribute to our projects. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in civil engineering and energy sectors. Mention specific projects where you've developed or managed programmes, as this will resonate with us at AKELA Construction.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akela Group
✨Know Your Software
Make sure you brush up on your scheduling software skills, especially Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will show your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Understand NEC Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC3 and NEC4 contract management. Prepare examples of how you've managed contract programmes in previous roles, focusing on compliance and how you've handled changes or delays.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your analytical thinking and attention to detail. Think of specific instances where you've identified risks or delays in a project and how you developed mitigation strategies to overcome them.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated with project teams, site managers, and stakeholders to ensure project delivery.