Freelance Planner Ipswich | Site Based | Ongoing Contract | Outside IR35 About the Company Our client is an established civil engineering contractor delivering infrastructure and complex construction projects across the UK. Due to ongoing project requirements in Suffolk, they are looking to strengthen their team with an experienced freelance Planner. The Role An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Planner to join a major project in Suffolk. This position requires someone from a strong civil engineering background, ideally with previous operational experience within engineering before moving into planning. You will take responsibility for the planning and programming function, working closely with project, engineering and commercial teams to develop, maintain and monitor robust construction programmes. Experience across Civils, Infrastructure, RC works, drainage and groundworks is highly desirable, alongside a thorough understanding of how civils projects are actually delivered on site. Key Responsibilities * Lead the planning and programming function across the project * Develop, maintain, review and update detailed construction programmes * Establish and regularly review the critical path * Produce realistic construction methodologies and sequences * Monitor progress against programme and identify potential delays at an early stage * Provide regular programme updates and supporting information to the project team * Identify programme constraints, risks and opportunities * Review construction methods, resources, plant requirements and sequencing * Carry out resource loading and levelling where required * Work closely with engineering, operational and commercial teams * Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and other key stakeholders * Produce planning reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders * Support the team with change, delay and programme implications * Ensure contract programme requirements are understood and maintained throughout project delivery Experience & Requirements * Strong civil engineering background is essential * Previous experience working as a Planner or Senior Planner within civil engineering * Ideally an engineering background, with previous site experience such as Site Engineer, Senior Engineer or Site Agent * Strong understanding of RC works, drainage and groundworks * Excellent understanding of construction sequencing and methodology * Experience producing and managing detailed construction programmes * Good understanding of NEC contracts and programme requirements * Knowledge of delay, change, risk and opportunity from a planning perspective * Experience working within demanding Tier 1 or Tier 2 contracting environments * Relevant construction, civil engineering or technical qualification preferred Technical Skills * Strong knowledge of construction planning and programming techniques * P6 and/or Asta Powerproject experience * Critical path analysis * Progress monitoring and programme reporting * Resource planning and levelling * Ability to communicate detailed programme information clearly to both operational teams and clients We are happy to consider Senior and Junior profiles for this role! If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Tabitha Crabtree at Kenton Black
Freelance Planner in Ipswich employer: Kenton Black
Join a leading subcontractor in the UK, where you will be part of a dynamic team working on a landmark £200m highways infrastructure project. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering our engineers the chance to develop their skills while contributing to significant civil engineering achievements. With a strong pipeline of work and long-term contract potential, this role provides not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Planner in Ipswich
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Kenton Black.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Kenton Black know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Kenton Black. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
