Job Posting Title Project Planning & Controls Specialist in Birmingham

Location: Hybrid Birmingham

Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

HVDC is a product group in Hitachi Energy, which develops, manufactures and sells direct current transmission systems on a global market. HVDC technology is used to transmit electricity over long distances and for power transmission via submarine cables. It is also used to connect power systems.

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for the planning, scheduling, monitoring and control of our delivery projects. You will own the development, maintenance and analysis of integrated project schedules throughout the project lifecycle, from tendering and project initiation through to commissioning and project close-out.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Analyse project requirements with the project team and ensure all work activities are identified and developed to a level of detail sufficient to support realistic and achievable project schedules.
• Define, jointly with the project team, project work breakdown structures and develop and maintain integrated baseline and current schedules, including resource-loaded schedules where required.
• Develop, maintain and monitor project schedules throughout all phases of project execution using recognised planning and scheduling methodologies.
• Monitor project progress and regularly perform critical path, near-critical path and float analysis to identify schedule risks, opportunities and deviations from plan.
• Challenge schedule assumptions and work collaboratively with project stakeholders to develop recovery and mitigation plans where required.
• Lead schedule review sessions with project stakeholders to ensure alignment, quality and commitment to project schedules.
• Perform schedule quality reviews and ensure project schedules comply with established planning standards and governance requirements.
• Issue progress reports, schedule updates, look-ahead schedules and planning analyses on a regular basis and as required by customers and project stakeholders.
• Support tendering activities through the development of project schedules, planning deliverables, resource forecasts and schedule risk assessments.
• Establish project baselines and support project teams during project start-up and planning activities.
• Carry out pre-planning activities including reviews of scope of work, contractual requirements, work breakdown structures, engineering deliverables and project interfaces.
• Work with suppliers, subcontractors and third parties to ensure plans are realistic and achievable and analyse contractor schedule performance.
• Support risk and change assessments through schedule impact analysis and what-if scenario planning.
• Promote planning best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of project planning processes.

Your Background:

• Degree qualified in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Experience working as a Project Planner within an EPC, energy, power transmission, infrastructure or similar project environment.
• Thorough understanding of logical sequencing and interfacing of project execution activities in EPC projects.
• Experience developing and maintaining integrated project schedules for complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience using Primavera P6 is preferred.
• Experience monitoring project execution schedules and physical progress throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Experience supporting lump-sum EPC projects or equivalent project delivery models.
• Knowledge of HVDC, power transmission, substations, renewable energy or large infrastructure projects would be advantageous.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence multidisciplinary teams and clearly communicate schedule risks, issues and recommendations.
• Analytical, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic project environment.

What We Offer:

• Generous annual leave plus public holidays with the ability to buy & sell leave days.
• Generous bonus scheme.
• Enhanced pension plan with competitive employer contributions.
• Private healthcare for our employees.
• Health screening program and Dental Plan.
• Maternity, paternity, parental leave.
• Critical illness plan, Life insurance and income protection.
• Fitness & health benefits (access to gyms, studios, on-demand exercise classes and library of wellness apps).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Performance-based rewards and recognition.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation:

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of AI and automated tools in recruitment:

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including AI-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks:

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position. The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.