Planning Engineer

Planning Engineer

Full-Time 70000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Girling Jones Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape and manage the planning of a major £100m marine project in Plymouth.
  • Company: Join a leading civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation.
  • Benefits: Salary up to £70,000, bonus, car allowance, pension, and private healthcare.
  • Other info: Long-term work with clear progression opportunities in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing project delivery from the ground up.
  • Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering and strong planning skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.

You’ll be joining a leading civil engineering contractor with a strong track record delivering complex, high-value infrastructure across the marine, water, and energy sectors. Known for their technical capability and long-term client relationships, they’re trusted to deliver some of the UK’s most challenging schemes — and they invest heavily in the people who make that happen.

You’ll be working on a new, major £100m+ redevelopment within a live naval dockyard environment, involving the upgrade and construction of multiple large-scale marine basins and associated infrastructure. It’s a technically demanding scheme with significant reinforced concrete works, complex sequencing, and logistical challenges — all being delivered in a highly controlled, secure setting. Crucially, you’ll be joining at an early stage, giving you the chance to influence how the project is planned and delivered from the ground up — not just inherit someone else’s programme.

This is not a back-office planning role. You’ll be right at the centre of the project — shaping the strategy, not just tracking it. You’ll take ownership of developing and managing the programme, working closely with commercial, site, and design teams to build a plan that actually works in practice.

  • Building programmes from first principles
  • Pulling together input from site, commercial, and design teams
  • Defining sequencing, methodology, and the true critical path
  • Challenging assumptions and driving smarter engineering solutions
  • Keeping programmes live, accurate, and aligned with site reality
  • Identifying risks early and helping steer the project around them

This is a role where your engineering background is as important as your planning ability.

This role is ideal for someone who has come up through the civil engineering route and understands how projects are built — not just how they look on a programme.

  • The ability to gain high level Security Clearance
  • Background as a Site Engineer, Senior Engineer, or Site Agent
  • Experience on heavy civil engineering projects
  • Strong understanding of construction sequencing and delivery
  • Working knowledge of MS Project or Primavera P6
  • Confident working across multiple teams and challenging when needed
  • Able to work in Plymouth and obtain SC Clearance
  • Most importantly — you’re proactive, commercially aware, and capable of turning real site experience into practical, buildable plans.

Salary up to £70,000, Bonus, Car allowance, Pension, Private healthcare, 26 days holiday. Long-term, secure work on a flagship project. The chance to shape a major scheme from the outset. Exposure to complex marine and RC engineering. Clear progression within planning and project controls. Ongoing work beyond this project — not just a single scheme.

If you want to be in a role where you can influence how a major project is delivered — not just report on it, apply now or get in touch for a confidential chat.

Planning Engineer employer: Girling Jones Ltd

Join a leading civil engineering contractor in Plymouth, where your contributions will directly shape a flagship marine project valued at over £100m. With a strong commitment to employee development, you’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and a generous holiday allowance. This role offers not just job security but also clear pathways for career progression within a dynamic and technically challenging environment.
Girling Jones Ltd

Contact Detail:

Girling Jones Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and the specific project you'll be working on. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate — you’re genuinely interested in their flagship marine project and ready to make an impact!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Planning Engineer. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe this small gesture can help keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Engineer

Civil Engineering
Project Planning
Construction Sequencing
Programme Management
Risk Identification
MS Project
Primavera P6
Engineering Solutions
Team Collaboration
Commercial Awareness
Site Experience
Proactivity
Security Clearance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Planning Engineer role. Highlight your background in civil engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex sequencing and heavy civil engineering.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this specific project and how your proactive approach can contribute to its success. Don’t forget to mention your experience with MS Project or Primavera P6!

Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked across different teams in past projects and how you’ve challenged assumptions to drive better outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to see your application and get you into the conversation about this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd

✨Know Your Project Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the flagship marine project. Understand the complexities involved, such as the reinforced concrete works and logistical challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your skills can directly contribute to overcoming these challenges.

✨Showcase Your Engineering Background

Since this role requires a solid engineering foundation, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences as a Site Engineer or Senior Engineer. Highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully managed construction sequencing and delivery, demonstrating how your hands-on experience translates into effective planning.

✨Be Ready to Challenge Assumptions

The company values proactive individuals who can drive smarter engineering solutions. Think of examples where you’ve identified risks early or challenged existing plans to improve outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to take ownership and influence project strategies from the ground up.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Planning Tools

Make sure you’re comfortable discussing MS Project or Primavera P6, as these tools are crucial for the role. If you have any specific experiences using these tools, share them during the interview. This will demonstrate your technical capability and readiness to manage the programme effectively.

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