At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning activities and ensure successful project delivery across complex programmes.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in innovative construction solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by shaping best-in-class planning strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning leadership and strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Laing O'Rourke is looking for a Planning Leader to play a key role in shaping and delivering best-in-class planning across our projects and programmes. This is a senior leadership position, focused on setting direction, driving consistency in planning standards, and ensuring robust project controls are embedded across complex, high-value programmes. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to influence strategy, optimise delivery methodologies, and ensure planning capability supports both internal teams and client organisations. If you bring strong strategic thinking, leadership capability, and deep technical expertise in planning and project controls, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at scale.
What will the role look like?
- You will play a central role in leading planning activity, embedding robust processes, and ensuring successful project delivery.
- Develop and manage integrated programmes across all project stages, including digital and 4D modelling alignment.
- Establish and maintain robust project controls, reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Define key milestones, production outputs, and resource requirements to optimise delivery.
- Lead, develop, and support planning teams, ensuring capability, performance, and succession planning.
What skills & experience are we looking for?
- We are looking for a credible planning leader who combines strategic thinking with strong delivery expertise.
- Proven experience leading planning and controls functions across complex projects or business units.
- Strong expertise in project/programme controls, contract planning, and strategic planning methodologies.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders using data, insight, and commercial awareness.
- Experience implementing systems, driving improvement, and embedding best practice across teams.
About you
- You will bring a combination of leadership, technical expertise, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Clear and confident communicator, able to engage effectively at all levels.
- Strategic and analytical thinker, able to challenge and improve delivery approaches.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise in complex environments.
- Motivating leader who develops teams and drives high performance.
Disability Confident scheme
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the Offer an interview scheme.
Planning Leader in Dartford employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Laing O'Rourke is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and excellence in project delivery, making it a fantastic place for a Planning Leader to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on embedding best practices, you will have the opportunity to influence high-value programmes while working alongside senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment. The company also champions inclusivity through initiatives like the Disability Confident scheme, ensuring a supportive workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Leader in Dartford
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK, 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 Planning Leader at ENGINEERINGUK.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Leader in Dartford
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 ENGINEERINGUK
✨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!
