Lead Planner

Lead Planner

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Carmichael UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning for a major 400kV National Grid substation project in Teesside.
  • Company: Join a key player in the UK's energy transition and grid upgrade programme.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with top industry professionals.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of infrastructure development and make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: Technical qualification in engineering or related field; experience in high-voltage projects preferred.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Planner to support the delivery of a major 400kV National Grid substation project in Teesside. This is a high‑profile infrastructure scheme forming part of the UK’s energy transition and grid upgrade programme. This is a key role requiring a planner who can operate at both strategic and detailed levels, with the ability to build a programme from concept through to construction, ensuring alignment across all project phases.

Role Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and maintenance of the integrated master programme
  • Act as the planning lead from pre‑construction through to delivery
  • Drive the programme strategy, key milestones and critical path management
  • Provide scenario planning and programme analysis
  • Support project teams in risk identification, change management and specifically programme reporting

Key Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate experience across the full project lifecycle on a major infrastructure multidisciplinary project within the UK, specifically:

  • Proven experience working from optioneering / feasibility stage through to delivery
  • Strong capability in building programmes from first principles, including:
    • Development of fully integrated project programmes
    • Incorporation of all key phases:
      • Consenting and planning applications
      • Design development
      • Procurement strategy
      • Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
      • Construction and commissioning
    • Experience developing and managing the critical path / programme pathway
    • Ability to coordinate and integrate:
      • Planning applications and approvals processes
      • Multi-disciplinary design inputs
      • Supply chain and procurement timelines
    • Advanced proficiency in:
      • Level 4 and Level 5 programmes
      • Logic linking, sequencing, and programme optimisation
    • Strong stakeholder engagement across:
      • Client (National Grid or similar)
      • Design teams
      • Delivery partners
      • Regulatory bodies

    Qualifications and Background

    • Must hold a technical qualification, ideally a degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g. Engineering, Physics, Construction Management, or similar) and have worked in the field.
    • Demonstrable technical understanding to support planning across complex engineering / infrastructure projects
    • Previous experience on high‑voltage substation or power transmission projects (275kV / 400kV) in the UK would be advantageous
    • Background working with Tier 1 contractors or National Grid frameworks (ETP, RIIO, etc.)
    • Familiarity with NEC contracts on major infrastructure or energy projects

    If you are interested in this opportunity then kindly submit your CV here now.

Lead Planner employer: Carmichael UK

Join us as a Lead Planner in Teesside, where you will play a pivotal role in a high-profile 400kV National Grid substation project that is crucial to the UK's energy transition. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering our employees opportunities to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects that make a real difference in the community.

Carmichael UK

Contact Details:

Carmichael UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Planner

Get Involved with Industry Events

The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!

Join Energy-focused Online Communities

Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.

Consider Industry Certifications

Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.

Apply ThroughCarmichael UK's Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through Carmichael UK's website for the full-time Lead Planner role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner

Integrated Master Programme Development
Programme Strategy
Critical Path Management
Scenario Planning
Programme Analysis
Risk Identification
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.

Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Carmichael UK. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Carmichael UK

Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy

In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Carmichael UK.

Brush Up on Industry Regulations

Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.

Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills

Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Carmichael UK.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.