Pre Construction Planner (Civils) in Preston

The Eric Wright Group has a fantastic history. From our beginnings in construction to an award-winning group of companies, our reputation is built on our Chairman's founding principles of a company that must be profitable, ethical and farsighted, as a result we have people, community and social value at our heart. As a multi-award-winning leader in the UK civil engineering industry, Eric Wright Civil Engineering has specialised in delivering vital infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, structures, hydropower and rail for more than 25 years. With our commitment to quality, professionalism, safety and integrity, we have delivered a comprehensive range of projects for a diverse range of public and private sector clients.

This is an exciting time for Eric Wright Civil Engineering. If social value and profit for a purpose is important to you, as well as working as part of a wider Group with an experienced and supportive team then this is the role for you!

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Pre Construction Planner (Civils) to join our established team based in Preston. You will lead the development and undertaking of the tender planning/programming activity within the pre-construction team to enhance our ability to secure works and to establish project controls and internal reporting from the tender stage. Ensuring tender stage project delivery programmes are fully developed and contractually compliant. You will also produce programmes which are optimised in terms of resources and risk and opportunity, to ensure we submit our best value and optimised tender.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the development of the planning/programming activity within the pre-construction team to enhance our ability to secure works and to establish project controls and internal reporting from the tender stage.
• Ensure project delivery programmes are fully developed and contractually compliant.
• Produce 4-6 tender stage, NEC4 compliant, resourced programmes per month.
• Support fulfilment of tender submission output of 4-6 tenders per month.

What you’ll be doing:

• Analyse Tender documents and identify required programme/planning responses and information which will inform the programme.
• Develop methodology approach to project and provide guidance to the bid team.
• Produce tender stage programmes working alongside the estimators, with a focus on ensuring we submit our most competitive offer.
• Define alongside the wider bid team a work Breakdown Structure/Cost Breakdown Structure, which aligns with internal best practice and client’s requirements.
• Programmes are to be NEC compliant and include TRA, Float, Resources and associated Histograms, Critical Path, Costs (when applicable), etc.
• Present tender programme to team of Directors as part of tender settlement meeting.
• Develop winning work program strategies for tenders, considering risks and opportunities and input into R&O register.
• Produce high scoring, written quality responses and narratives, which accompany tender programmes.
• Contribute to discussion on the optimal phasing, approach and methodology of works on site.
• Align tender programmes to current operational programme requirements and incorporate feedback from operation teams into future tenders.
• Review tender programmes produced by other members of the Preconstruction Team.
• Review post-tender performance of tenders with the Preconstruction Team and incorporate lessons learned.
• Review post-contract performance of projects with the Project Team and incorporate lessons.

About You

Aligned to our ethos and values, you will be an integral part of our team who is passionate about Civil Engineering and have experience across multiple Civil Engineering disciplines. You will be an ambitious individual, take pride in what you produce, and have excellent attention to detail, communication, organisation and leadership skills, with a strong customer focus.

Ideally you’ll have:

• Appropriate industry qualification, e.g. Degree or HND.
• Industry background and experience working as a planner – ideally in excess of 5 years experience in a civil engineering environment, with demonstrable experience in a preconstruction/tendering team.
• Knowledge of highway & structure and public realm types projects is mandatory and preferable is experience in industrial, energy, clean/waste water and waste type projects.
• Appropriate IT skills including the use of company software packages. (ASTA Powerproject mandatory, Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project preferred).
• Understanding and appreciation of the requirements on NEC3 / 4 Contracts and the importance of programme to management of the project as a whole, including timescales for action.
• Civil engineering and construction method knowledge, with the ability to research and appraise viability of alternatives.
• Solid understanding of the design process, procurement routes and processes.
• Clear, concise oral and written communications, internally and externally.
• Information management skills.
• Ability to quickly digest information.
• Ability to motivate and influence people.
• Time management skills and ability to work to deadlines.

In return we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Company Car / car allowance scheme - 100% hybrid/electric vehicles.
• Enhanced annual leave starting at 26 Days + bank holidays rising with service.
• Learning and development - we offer a range of learning opportunities to develop talent at all levels within our business focussing on technical competence, upskilling, compliance and governance and career development.
• Pension — 6.5% employer contribution of your salary into your pension to help you save for the future.
• BUPA - optional scheme and can include your family to the scheme (50% contribution).
• Company sick pay scheme - Up to 20 days full pay in a rolling 12 month period.
• Group Income Protection – 50% of your salary covered for 3 years for long term illness.
• Enhanced Paid Family Leave - maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, compassion, bereavement, crisis, emergency dependants, and much more.
• Hybrid working - manage your own diary, working in the office, at home or out with clients.
• Onsite gym – we have a gym on site at Head Office which is free to use.
• Company Doctor – for when you can’t get to see your own or if you have any health concerns.
• Virtual GP - 24/7 access for when you need to speak to a GP.
• EAP – Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured, supporting you and your family with advice, guidance and counselling on a variety of areas such as health, fitness, home life, finances and much more.
• Mental Health support – through the Thrive app, approved by the NHS, provides tools, to tackle, prevent and manage common stressors such as sleep, bereavement, work issues etc.
• Savings scheme – Put aside an affordable amount for a rainy day in the future.
• Recognition awards – awards for long service and special birthdays.
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing strategy focussed on physical, emotional, financial and career wellbeing.

Our Values

At the heart of everything we do are four core values:

• Integrity – We’re transparent, honest, and accountable. We build trust and deliver lasting impact.
• Excellence – We go beyond expectations with expertise, determination, and attention to detail.
• Respect – We’re inclusive, compassionate, and professional. Every voice matters.
• Innovation – We think differently, solve problems creatively, and embrace a “can do” attitude.

How You’ll Work

We’re looking for someone who lives our behaviours:

• Be authentic – Say what you mean, keep your promises, and build trust.
• Be accountable – Own your work, celebrate success, and learn from setbacks.
• Belong – Be part of something bigger, rooted in community and purpose.
• Be the best you can – Give your all, ask for support, and grow with us.
• Be motivated – Strive for excellence and take charge of your development.
• Be safe – Look after yourself and others—safe people, safe place.
• Be inclusive – Treat everyone with fairness, respect, and equality.
• Be empathetic – Listen deeply and value every voice.
• Be open – Share feedback, celebrate strengths, and speak up for what’s right.
• Be collaborative – Offer support, share knowledge, and learn from others.
• Be inspiring – Lead with positivity, embrace innovation, and foster teamwork.
• Be bold – Speak up, be curious, and help shape the future.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a business that exists to make a difference. Thrive in a healthy, empowering environment. Work with passionate, dedicated colleagues who live our values. Enjoy real opportunities to grow and shape your future. Good salary and benefits offer.

Our Ethos

Working at the Eric Wright Group of companies is truly special. Owned 100% by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, we are a commercially focused business with a social purpose, which means that after reinvestment in the business, our profit is donated to charity via the Trust. This ownership structure provides a high level of stability for the Group and supports longer-term commercial and charitable strategies.

We are committed to equal opportunities, inclusion and fairness across all employment opportunities and service delivery. All managers and employees are expected to promote our values to ensure our workplaces and services are inclusive and accessible.