At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop detailed construction programmes for exciting projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, private medical, bonus, pension, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects in a dynamic environment that values your contributions.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction planning and proficiency in planning software required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex-built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact. While keeping our clients and our people at the heart of what we do.
We are seeking a Senior Planner to support the successful delivery of projects through the development, management, and monitoring of detailed construction programmes across the full project lifecycle. This role plays a critical part in ensuring projects are planned, coordinated, and delivered to programme, working closely with project teams to provide insight, analysis, and practical programme solutions that support commercial and operational objectives.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Develop and maintain detailed tender, baseline, and construction programmes across multiple projects
- Work collaboratively with project managers, design teams, commercial, procurement, and site teams to produce integrated and realistic project schedules
- Monitor and track progress against programme, ensuring timely updates, reporting, and analysis
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports, including progress narratives, KPIs, and lookahead programmes
- Identify programme risks and delays early, proposing mitigation and recovery strategies
- Support project teams with short-term planning, sequencing, and coordination of activities on site
- Analyse the impact of variations, delays, and changes, supporting EOT submissions and programme adjustments where required
- Participate in planning and progress meetings with internal teams, subcontractors, consultants, and clients
- Contribute to continuous improvement of planning standards, methodologies, and processes across the business
- Support digital planning initiatives, including 4D planning, BIM integration, and programme visualisation
What we are looking for:
- Significant experience in a planning role within construction (preferably MEP or building services)
- Strong understanding of design, procurement, construction, and handover processes
- Proven ability to develop logic-linked, resource-driven programmes
- Proficiency in planning software such as Asta Powerproject, Primavera P6, or MS Project
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Experience delivering progress reporting, delay analysis, and programme management
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working on large-scale or complex MEP projects (e.g. healthcare, pharma, commercial)
- Understanding of 4D planning / BIM-linked programming
- Experience in earned value management (EVM)
- Working towards or holding a recognised professional qualification (CIOB, AACE, PMI)
Why Join Dowds:
- 41 Days Holiday
- Gold Investor of People
- Early Finish Fridays
- Private Medical
- Bonus
- Pension
- Work from home
Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Senior Planner in London employer: J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
At Dowds, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the engineering and construction sector, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive benefits package, including 41 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to be part of a company that values its people and strives for excellence in every project.
Contact Details:
J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous planning projects, especially those related to MEP or building services. Use visuals to demonstrate your expertise in programme management and analysis – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of planning software like Asta Powerproject or Primavera P6. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects and how you can contribute to Dowds’ vision of excellence.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board at Dowds!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Planner role. Highlight your experience in construction planning, especially with MEP or building services. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about planning and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Dowds. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Software Skills:We’re keen on seeing your proficiency in planning software like Asta Powerproject or Primavera P6. Make sure to include specific examples of how you’ve used these tools in past roles to manage complex projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at J.F. & H. DOWDS LTD t/a DOWDS
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of construction programmes relevant to the role, like tender and baseline programmes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed and maintained these in past projects, showcasing your experience with planning software like Asta Powerproject or Primavera P6.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you’ve worked with project managers, design teams, or site teams to produce integrated schedules and how that contributed to project success.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions about how you handle programme risks and delays. Have specific examples ready where you identified issues early and proposed effective mitigation strategies. This will demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a Senior Planner.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Dowds’ sectors, especially life science and healthcare, as well as their commitment to continuous improvement and digital planning initiatives. Showing that you understand their vision and how your role fits into it can set you apart from other candidates.
