At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for a £60M education facility, managing resources and logistics.
- Company: Main contractor with a focus on innovative construction projects in North London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a significant educational project while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 7+ years as a Planner with experience on large construction projects.
A significant £60M education facility development in North London featuring new teaching buildings, sports facilities, and supporting infrastructure. The project is phased to accommodate ongoing school operations and includes complex logistics around staff and student access. The Main Contractor is responsible for delivery under a Design & Build contract across a 24-month programme with strict sectional completion requirements.
You will be the planning lead on-site, accountable for:
- Developing and maintaining the contract programme and critical path
- Resource planning and workload management across multiple work streams
- Tracking progress, identifying risks, and reporting status to Project Manager and client
- Managing programme changes, recovery actions, and sectional completion milestones
- Coordinating with site teams to ensure planned sequences are delivered on ground
- Weekly and monthly programme reporting with narrative and risk commentary
- Logistics planning for phased occupation and student access management
- Interface with client programme team and design consultants on programme dependencies
Essential Requirements:
- 7+ years as a Planner with experience on construction projects of £20M+
- 3+ years at Senior Planner level managing complex multi-phase programmes
- Proficiency in planning software (Primavera, Microsoft Project, or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, resource loading, and critical path analysis
- Experience managing sectional completion and phased handover requirements
- Proven ability to track and report progress under pressure
- Site-based experience in a Main Contractor or similar environment
Desirable:
- Experience on education, healthcare, or similar occupied-facility projects
- Familiarity with logistics planning and temporary access management
- Knowledge of Design & Build contract requirements and programme risk management
- Experience with earned value or integrated cost/schedule analysis
- Previous work in London's complex urban construction environment
What We're Looking For:
- Strategic thinking – able to see dependencies and bottlenecks before they become problems
- Attention to detail in building and updating programmes that reflect site reality
- Strong communication with site teams, client, and stakeholders at all levels
- Proactive risk management – flagging issues early and proposing recovery options
- Pragmatism balanced with accuracy – meeting delivery demands without losing credibility
- Collaborative approach to solving scheduling conflicts and programme challenges
Salary: £85,000–£100,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent for project duration (24 months) with potential extension
Location: North London, full-time on-site
Reporting to: Project Manager
Start date: ASAP
Senior Planner employer: Build Tech Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading Main Contractor in North London, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering a significant £60M education facility project. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic urban construction environment. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, we provide a rewarding workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction industry, especially those who have experience with education projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a networking event or an interview, bring along examples of your past work. Having a portfolio ready can really help demonstrate your expertise in managing complex programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills on our website, don’t just apply—follow up! A quick email to express your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects. Think about specific examples where you managed risks or adapted plans under pressure—this will highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience with complex multi-phase programmes and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in education or healthcare.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your proficiency in planning software like Primavera or Microsoft Project. We want to see how you’ve used these tools to manage critical paths and resource loading effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, be clear and concise about your strategic thinking and risk management skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Build Tech Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the education facility development project. Understand the key phases, the complexities involved, and how your role as a Senior Planner fits into the bigger picture. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking skills.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in planning software like Primavera or Microsoft Project. Bring examples of how you've used these tools to manage complex programmes, track progress, and report status. Highlighting your technical skills will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around logistics planning and managing sectional completions. Think of past experiences where you identified risks early and proposed effective recovery options. This will showcase your proactive risk management approach.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing how you coordinate with site teams and stakeholders. Use specific examples to illustrate your collaborative approach to solving scheduling conflicts and programme challenges.
