At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for major infrastructure projects, ensuring timely delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in the power sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced pension, 33 days holiday, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy with impactful projects that drive the UK's journey to net zero.
- Qualifications: Experience in major infrastructure planning and proficiency in Primavera P6 required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Project Planner role at Laing O'Rourke.
Location: Birmingham (Project Hub) – with hybrid working and national travel.
Sector: Power / Major Infrastructure.
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time.
The Project – The Great Grid Upgrade
The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. Our work with National Grid will help deliver clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across the UK. Laing O'Rourke's project portfolio spans 10 major infrastructure projects – including enabling works for overhead lines, tower foundations, and new substations. These projects will connect renewable energy from offshore wind farms to solar power, strengthening energy security and supporting the UK's journey to net zero.
The Role
We're looking for experienced Senior or Principal Planners to join our Power Sector team, supporting the 10-year Great Grid Upgrade framework. For the next 1–2 years, you'll be based at our Birmingham project hub, joining an established planning team supporting projects through ECI and PCSA pre‑construction stages. We’re flexible on where you live – but you’ll need to travel to Birmingham around 3–4 days per week. As projects move into delivery (from 2027 onwards), you’ll transition to a site‑based role with hybrid working options. Initial delivery projects include schemes from Grimsby to Spalding (East Coast) and Chesterfield to Willington (East Midlands).
What You’ll Do
- Lead and coordinate planning and programme management from tender through delivery.
- Develop and maintain robust, logic‑linked construction programmes.
- Provide expert input on construction sequencing, methodology, and resourcing.
- Ensure compliance with contractual and project requirements.
- Implement and maintain Project Controls with accurate forecasting and reporting.
- Mentor and develop planning team members and drive process improvement.
- Foster collaboration across design, engineering, and delivery teams to achieve milestones.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven planning experience on major infrastructure projects (£300m+) – ideally in the power or energy sector.
- Proficiency in Primavera P6 (ASTA and 4D modelling advantageous).
- A strong understanding of NEC contracts and commercial awareness.
- A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Chartered status (CIOB, ICE) or working towards it.
- Experience across the full project lifecycle – from pre‑construction to delivery.
- The ability to lead, mentor, and influence across multidisciplinary teams.
Why Laing O'Rourke?
At Laing O'Rourke, planners aren't behind the scenes – they're at the heart of project leadership. Here’s What Sets Us Apart:
- Planning matters: Your insight shapes strategy and drives delivery.
- A collaborative community: Join a 130+ strong national planning team with shared standards, mentorship, and support.
- Integrated delivery: Work directly with our in‑house specialists – from structures and MEP to plant hire and off‑site manufacturing – applying real build logic rather than subcontractor dates.
- Career growth: Our structured career toolkits and leadership support put your progression front and centre.
Benefits: enhanced pension and parental leave schemes; Life/Dental/Critical illness insurance and income protection; 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays + 1 paid day for volunteering; professional development opportunities and more!
Senior Project Planner employer: Laing O'Rourke group
Laing O'Rourke group offers exciting opportunities to work on significant infrastructure projects, such as the Sizewell C clean energy project, which aims to power over 6 million homes. The company fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging professional growth and innovation through advanced technologies like AI in construction. Employees benefit from hybrid working options and travel support, making it an attractive employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering and construction sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Planner
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Laing O'Rourke group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Project Planner at Laing O'Rourke group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
