At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage construction programmes for large-scale steelwork projects across the UK.
- Company: Leading structural steelwork contractor with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with a fully integrated team and enjoy a strong pipeline of exciting projects.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on major construction projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning within structural steelwork or heavy construction preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Locations: Durham (with UK-wide site visits). We also have offices in Central Scotland.
J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd is a leading UK structural steelwork contractor delivering complex, large-scale projects across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
We are looking to recruit a Planner / Senior Planner to support both tender-stage planning and live project delivery, developing practical, well-structured programmes that reflect how projects are actually built.
You will be responsible for producing and managing construction programmes from initial tender through to completion, ensuring coordination between design, fabrication, and site erection. The role is central to driving project performance by providing clear visibility of progress, identifying risks early, and supporting delivery teams to achieve programme and commercial objectives.
- Develop tender and preconstruction programmes aligned with client requirements
- Establish construction strategies covering design release, procurement, fabrication, and erection
- Assess and challenge alternative sequencing and methodologies to determine the most efficient, safe, and commercially viable approach
- Review Principal Contractor outline programmes to identify risks, constraints, and unrealistic assumptions at tender stage
- Support bid submissions with programme input, phasing, and narratives
- Identify key constraints, risks, and opportunities at an early stage
Construction Planning (Post-Award)
- Develop and manage detailed contract programmes following award
- Produce and maintain dropline / flowline programmes to manage fabrication output and erection sequencing
- Incorporate and coordinate subcontract trades, including metal decking, precast concrete, and other key interfaces
- Review Principal Contractor programmes, identify risks or inconsistencies, and propose practical, buildable solutions
- Establish design release schedules, fabrication priorities, and erection phasing
- Maintain short-term lookahead programmes and update programmes to reflect progress and change
Progress Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor progress against programme and key milestones
- Track fabrication and erection performance against planned outputs
- Identify and manage the critical path
- Produce clear programme reports and updates for internal and client use
- Analyse delays and programme risks and assess their impact
- Develop mitigation measures and recovery strategies
- Support Extension of Time submissions and programme-based entitlement
- Maintain auditable programme records to protect the company’s position
Coordination & Communication
- Work with design, fabrication, and site teams to manage interfaces and resolve issues
- Engage with clients, principal contractors, and project teams at progress meetings
- Promote a proactive, solutions-focused approach to programme management
Experience in a planning role within structural steelwork (preferred) or a main contractor / heavy construction environment
Strong understanding of both tender-stage and construction-phase planning
Experience using dropline or production-based planning methods for fabrication and erection
Experience integrating subcontract trades within construction programmes
Familiarity with contract requirements under JCT and NEC (NEC3 / NEC4), including programme obligations and entitlement
Proficiency in Microsoft Project is essential, with the ability to work with or transition to Asta Powerproject
Ability to use Primavera P6 where required
Experience with 4D planning or modelling tools is advantageous but not essential
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication
Understanding of how programme impacts cost, risk, and commercial outcomes
Ability to develop programmes that are realistic, buildable, and aligned with production and site outputs
Confidence to challenge assumptions and improve programme logic
A proactive approach to identifying issues and driving solutions
Strong commercial awareness and ability to support project outcomes
Opportunity to work on major, complex steelwork projects across the UK
Fully integrated business with in-house design, fabrication, and delivery capability
Involvement in both tender strategy and live project execution
Strong pipeline of work and experienced delivery team
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Planner / Senior Planner employer: J & D Pierce (Contracts)
J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Durham with opportunities for UK-wide site visits. Our culture promotes collaboration and innovation, providing planners with the chance to engage in major, complex steelwork projects while benefiting from a strong pipeline of work and a supportive team. We prioritise employee growth through involvement in both tender strategy and live project execution, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that ensures our team members feel valued and motivated.
Contact Details:
J & D Pierce (Contracts) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner / Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to planning and project management. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner / Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planner/Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience in construction planning, especially with structural steelwork, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you’ve used them in real projects. Talk about your experience with Microsoft Project or Asta Powerproject, and any specific examples of how you’ve managed construction programmes effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at J & D Pierce (Contracts)
✨Know Your Programmes
Make sure you’re familiar with different types of construction programmes, especially dropline and flowline methods. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and manage these programmes in line with the job description.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse delays and programme risks. Think about specific situations where you identified issues early and proposed effective solutions, as this will show your proactive approach.
✨Understand the Commercial Side
Brush up on your knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts, as well as how programme impacts cost and risk. Being able to discuss these aspects confidently will highlight your commercial awareness and understanding of project outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to engage with various stakeholders, so being able to communicate complex ideas simply will be key. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your delivery.
