Lead Project Planner in Stafford

Become part of a winning team and help deliver the Green Energy transition. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems enable utilities to move more power over longer distances, efficiently integrate renewable energy sources, interconnect grids, and improve network performance. Join our HVDC team and contribute to the delivery of complex global infrastructure projects that support the transition to sustainable energy.

For a new HVDC project, we are looking for a Lead Project Planner to support the Project Controls team in delivering projects in line with the defined execution strategy, ensuring delivery on time and within budget. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the integrated project schedule for HVDC scope of work, coordinating inputs across multiple engineering, procurement, and project delivery teams. This role requires close collaboration with global teams to ensure the project schedule reflects the full lifecycle of the project and provides clear visibility of progress, risks, and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop tender and project schedules using established tools and planning processes.
• Build and maintain the integrated master project schedule, consolidating inputs from engineering functions, procurement, project delivery teams, and third-party partners.
• Ensure the schedule reflects all dependencies and interdependencies across project activities.
• Work closely with engineering functions such as Systems Engineering, Valves Engineering, Control & Protection, and NPI to gather schedule inputs and ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with procurement and regional project teams to ensure accurate representation of supply chain and delivery timelines.
• Maintain and update the project schedule throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct schedule analysis to identify potential risks, delays, and opportunities.
• Generate look-ahead plans, backlog reports, and late activity reporting to support project prioritisation.
• Develop scenario planning ('what-if' analysis) to support decision-making and optimise project execution.
• Identify schedule risks and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Challenge forecast completion dates where necessary to ensure timelines are realistic and achievable.
• Drive follow-up actions with functional owners to ensure mitigation measures are implemented.
• Facilitate regular schedule reviews with the project team and key stakeholders.
• Ensure functional owners sign off on their commitments and remain accountable for delivery milestones.
• Provide clear and regular reporting on schedule performance.
• Prepare and deliver contractually required schedule reporting and support communication with customers on planning matters.

This role supports large-scale HVDC infrastructure projects delivered globally. Projects may include both supplier contracts and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) projects, ranging from medium-sized infrastructure programmes to major transmission projects valued in the hundreds of millions. The HVDC Project Controls team operates in a multinational environment, with team members located across Europe and Asia and projects delivered worldwide.

Who We Are Looking For

• Be comfortable working across multiple engineering and project teams to gather inputs and build consolidated schedules.
• Demonstrate the ability to challenge assumptions and resolve discrepancies in planning data to ensure realistic project timelines.
• Have experience planning large, complex infrastructure or energy projects, ideally within the power transmission, utilities, renewable energy, or HVDC sectors.
• Be confident working in multinational project environments involving global teams and stakeholders.
• Understand how engineering, procurement, and construction activities interact across the project lifecycle.
• Possess strong communication and influencing skills to drive alignment across functions and maintain schedule accountability.

Key Skills

• Strong project planning and scheduling expertise within complex project environments.
• Advanced Primavera P6 skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret schedule data and forecast outcomes.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international project teams.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive work environment. By valuing the ideas and contributions of a diverse workforce we help inspire others to grow, succeed, and raise the bar for everyone. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, GE Vernova is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both GE Vernova associates and applicants alike.