At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project programmes using Primavera P6 and ensure successful delivery of utility projects.
- Company: IES Utilities Group, a leading UK utility provider focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career opportunities, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear progression pathways into senior roles.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on major infrastructure projects that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning within utilities and advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
Job Title
Planner
Salary
Competitive and dependent on experience
Location
Manchester Head Office with regular travel to project sites across the UK
Contract
- Permanent / Full time
- About IES
IES Utilities Group is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end multi discipline solutions.
Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide.
With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK.
About the Role
IES Utilities Group is seeking an experienced Planner to support the successful delivery of gas infrastructure and utility projects across the UK.
The Planner will be responsible for developing, maintaining and reporting on project programmes using Primavera P6, ensuring accurate forecasting of project durations, manpower requirements, resource allocation and cost profiles.
Working closely with operational teams, commercial staff, project managers and clients, the Planner will provide programme management expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from tender stage through to project completion.
The role requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail and the ability to communicate programme performance and project risks effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and manage detailed project programmes using Primavera P6.
- Produce baseline programmes for tenders, pre-construction activities and live projects.
- Develop project schedules incorporating duration, cost and manpower resources.
- Monitor progress against programme and identify programme opportunities and risks.
- Produce resource-loaded and cost-loaded programmes where required.
- Analyse project performance using earned value and programme control techniques.
- Prepare programme updates, recovery plans and mitigation strategies.
- Work closely with Project Managers and delivery teams to ensure programme information accurately reflects site activities.
- Monitor labour, plant and subcontractor resource requirements across multiple projects.
- Forecast manpower, productivity and resource utilisation.
- Support the commercial team with programme-related claims, variations and extensions of time.
- Produce project dashboards, reports and KPI updates for senior management and clients.
- Facilitate programme review meetings and progress workshops.
- Support project teams in developing safe and efficient construction sequences.
- Ensure programme compliance with client requirements, contract obligations and company procedures.
- Assist in preparing project execution plans and delivery strategies.
- Maintain programme records and audit trails throughout project lifecycles.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the planning and project controls function.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a Planner within utilities, gas, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors.
- Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6.
- Experience producing resource-loaded and cost-loaded programmes.
- Understanding of project planning methodologies and project controls.
- Experience producing critical path analysis and programme reporting.
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing and project delivery processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple programmes simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point.
Desirable
- Experience within gas transmission, gas distribution or utility infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of NEC contracts.
- Familiarity with Power BI and project reporting tools.
- Experience supporting claims and delay analysis.
- Knowledge of project risk management techniques.
Qualifications
Essential
- HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or a related discipline.
- Primavera P6 certification or demonstrable advanced user experience.
Desirable
- APM Qualification.
- Project Controls certification.
- NEC accreditation.
- Relevant utility industry qualifications.
- Key Competencies
- Planning and Organising
- Commercial Awareness
- Attention to Detail
- Leadership and Influencing Skills
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Stakeholder Management
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Travel Requirements
- Regular travel to Manchester Head Office and project sites across the UK.
- Occasional overnight stays may be required depending on project location and operational requirements.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Long-term and stable career opportunities.
- Exposure to major utility and infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Professional development and ongoing training support.
- Opportunity to work within a growing and ambitious engineering business.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment focused on safety, quality and innovation.
- Clear progression pathways into Senior Engineering, Design Management and Technical Leadership roles.
Planner in Manchester employer: IES Utilities Group
IES Utilities Group Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team environment and a commitment to employee growth through career progression opportunities. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, employees can take pride in contributing to essential utility networks while enjoying a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowance and pension plans.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner in Manchester
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Planner role you’re after at IES Utilities Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at IES Utilities Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at IES Utilities Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Planner at IES Utilities Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Planner, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at IES Utilities Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to IES Utilities Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with IES Utilities Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like IES Utilities Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
