At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for major airport infrastructure projects and ensure successful delivery.
- Company: Join an award-winning consultancy passionate about transforming project controls in construction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with strong values and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting aviation projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in planning/scheduling with advanced Primavera P6 skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join our dynamic award-winning team. Our client is leading a highly ambitious airport infrastructure investment programme, encompassing major airfield upgrades, terminal enhancements and large-scale real estate developments. Supported by Government and an integrated supply chain, the programme is moving through critical stages of development, funding and regulatory alignment. As part of this growth, the organisation is strengthening its planning capability and seeking senior planners to play a key role in shaping programme controls, driving consistency across projects, and supporting the successful delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder schemes.
About us: CMR is an award-winning project controls consultancy that is first and foremost a team of people, passionate about the construction industry and changing the way project controls is provided. Our approach and culture have been recognised globally, with CMR named Global Project Controls Small Business of the Year 2025 (Project Controls Expo UK Awards) and one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in 2026 (Great Place to Work).
Our Purpose (Why we exist): Inspiring new ways to help shape our construction industry.
Our Ambition (What we want to achieve): Re-imagine project controls through a digital lens, being the obvious choice for clients and the place to grow together with intention.
What’s in it for you? At CMR you will have the opportunity to professionally develop like nowhere you have worked before. If you demonstrate the capability, our merit-based system will enable you to develop fast. We use our in-house capability matrix to transparently track your progression and highlight development areas. Join our small, dynamic team where every member has the chance to make a significant impact, shaping the future direction of our company and making a real difference. We believe in rewarding our team for their achievements, celebrating our successes but equally helping each other when things are tough.
You’ll:
- Develop, maintain and progress the Level 3/4 P6 programme for the Airfield & Civils works
- Support NEC contract administration – reviewing contractor programmes, Compensation Events and delay analysis
- Produce weekly/monthly progress reports, dashboards and trend analysis for the programme team
- Work closely with commercial, risk and design teams to keep cost, schedule and change control aligned
- Attend and contribute to progress/programme meetings, presenting schedule status to stakeholders
- Support what-if scenario modelling as scope evolves, and inform re-baselining where required
- Help embed consistent planning standards within a relatively new and growing team
We’re looking for:
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years' planning/scheduling experience on major construction or infrastructure programmes
- Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 – schedule development, maintenance and multi-disciplinary what-if scenario modelling
- Experience managing and assessing NEC contract programmes (NEC3/NEC4), including Compensation Events and delay analysis
- Good understanding of heavy civils works and sequencing (e.g. pavements, drainage, earthworks, stands infrastructure)
- Ability to produce estimate programmes from first principles
- Ability to work in a fluid, fast-paced environment and adapt to frequent scope and programme changes
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, comfortable liaising across client, contractor and multi-disciplinary teams
- Eligible to obtain UK airside security clearance
Desirable:
- Previous experience on an aviation or airport infrastructure programme (airfield, terminal or airside civils)
- Earned Value Management (EVM) experience – Planned vs Actual reporting
- Experience with schedule assurance/quality reviews (e.g. DCMA-14 checks)
- Exposure to tollgate/governance gateway processes
- Good understanding of operational constraints and aviation regulatory requirements
At CMR we have a strong culture driven by our 9 Core Principles. We look to build a community of people that share our values and ambitions. We’re proud that 96% of our team say CMR is a “Great Place to Work” a reflection of our supportive culture, focus on people, and drive to do things differently.
Requirements and Location:
- Full right to work in the UK
- 3 Days on Site at Gatwick Airport (Tue/Wed/Thur)
Salary & Benefits:
- 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays)
- Comprehensive Private Healthcare (Inc Dentist and Optician)
- Life Assurance (x4 Salary)
- Pension: employers' contribution of 4%
- Company and personal performance-based bonus
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Long Service Leave
- Training and professional development
- Regular social events
- Perkbox – employee experience platform
CMR welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. CMR is Disability Confident Committed and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.
Senior Planner - Aviation employer: Cmr.london
CMR is an exceptional employer that values innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. Located at Gatwick Airport, employees benefit from a vibrant environment with opportunities to lead impactful projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages skill development and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner - Aviation
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cmr.london, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Planner - Aviation at Cmr.london.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner - Aviation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cmr.london
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!