At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop planning for complex rail and civil engineering projects.
- Company: AmcoGiffen, a diverse and inclusive employer in the engineering sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail and civil engineering planning, strong leadership, and P6 expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Planner to lead and develop the regional planning function across the South, supporting the successful delivery of complex rail and civil engineering projects. This is a senior, influential role within the business, suited to an experienced planning professional with strong leadership capability and a proven background in P6‑led project planning, project controls and stakeholder engagement.
What We Offer
- Competitive annual salary negotiable dependant on experience
- Company Car or Car Allowance
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Company contributory Pension scheme
- Life Insurance
- Medicash Health Cash Plan & Rewards
- Support and employee infrastructure embedded in the business as a platform for personal and professional development creating pathways for unrivalled career development and progression opportunities internally.
- Consistent learning opportunities
- Internal development programmes dedicated to supporting the development of our colleagues and future business leaders including Purposeful Leadership, Women in leadership and much more.
- A safe place to work
- Employee forums that provide a platform for having your voice heard
Business & Regional Overview
Our South region delivers a diverse portfolio of rail, civil engineering and infrastructure projects, operating within live, regulated and safety‑critical environments. Projects and frameworks typically include:
- Bridges, structures and footbridges
- Stations, platforms and Access for All schemes
- Tunnels and complex civils
- Earthworks, embankments and drainage
- Multi‑disciplinary rail renewals and enhancements
Works are delivered across long‑term national frameworks as well as standalone design & build and negotiated projects for key public‑sector clients.
The Role
As Principal Planner, you will report to the Planning Manager, working closely with Operations Directors and Project Delivery teams. You will be responsible for leading, mentoring and developing the regional planning team, while ensuring the production and management of integrated, well‑controlled project programmes that support effective design, procurement and construction delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the regional planning team, championing best practice and consistency
- Develop, manage and integrate project programmes covering design, procurement and site works
- Provide high‑quality planning outputs to internal and external stakeholders
- Advise on programme impacts relating to change, risk and progress
- Support procurement planning, including subcontract enquiry and procurement schedules
- Ensure delivery teams fully understand programme logic, milestones and critical paths
- Monitor and validate site progress, agreeing updates and mitigation actions with project teams
- Produce regular progress reports including variance analysis, SPI, CPI and Earned Value data
- Maintain look‑ahead and as‑built programmes, clearly articulating project performance history
- Support programme risk assessment and schedule risk analysis
- Advise on resource constraints and programme recovery strategies
- Manage and maintain the P6 Cloud environment for the South region
- Coach and mentor planners, supporting capability development and succession planning
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience at Senior Planner or Principal Planner level within rail and civil engineering
- Strong Primavera P6 expertise and project controls capability
- In‑depth understanding of construction methodology, sequencing and delivery risks
- Previous site‑based experience, providing practical appreciation of construction activities
- Knowledge of earned value management and schedule risk analysis
- Ability to clearly communicate complex planning strategies to a wide stakeholder audience
- Confident leadership style with experience mentoring and developing others
- Collaborative approach, able to influence at all levels of the business
Diversity, Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing
At AmcoGiffen, we value individuality and believe that diverse teams create stronger outcomes, better decisions and more inclusive workplaces. We are committed to building an environment where everyone feels supported, respected and able to succeed, regardless of gender, background or life stage. We actively encourage applications from women and under‑represented groups, and we are focused on increasing female representation across all areas of our business through inclusive recruitment, development opportunities and supportive working practices. Health, safety, wellbeing and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and are embedded through our SPIRIT values: Safety, Professionalism, Innovation, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork.
Equal Opportunities
AmcoGiffen is an Equal Opportunities Employer, offering challenging, worthwhile careers to everyone and is pro‑actively committed to improving our understanding year on year to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees as well as for the customers and communities in which we serve and operate within. It doesn’t matter to us what your age, disability, employment status, gender, health, marital status, sexual preference, membership or non‑membership of a trade union, nationality, race, religion or social class are, or indeed any other personal characteristics not directly related to the relevant job. Anyone who meets the requirements of the job is eligible for employment with AmcoGiffen.
Principal Planner in Swanley employer: AmcoGiffen
AmcoGiffen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Swanley, Kent, where you can lead and develop a talented planning team within the rail and civil engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth through consistent learning opportunities and internal development programmes, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Our competitive benefits package, including a company car or allowance, generous holiday entitlement, and a contributory pension scheme, makes us an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Swanley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to project planning and stakeholder engagement. Confidence is key, so the more you rehearse, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience with P6 project planning and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about rail and civil engineering, and how your skills can contribute to our projects. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led teams or improved project outcomes. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at AmcoGiffen
✨Know Your P6 Inside Out
As a Principal Planner, your expertise in Primavera P6 is crucial. Brush up on your knowledge of the software and be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage project controls and integrate programmes effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've led a team or mentored others. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your collaborative approach and how you've influenced stakeholders at various levels.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire project lifecycle in rail and civil engineering. Be ready to discuss construction methodologies, sequencing, and delivery risks. This will demonstrate your in-depth understanding and practical appreciation of the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding programme impacts and risk assessments. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would address them, showcasing your analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.
