At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI-driven optimisation for major infrastructure projects and enhance planning outcomes.
- Company: Join Akordi, a dynamic subsidiary of Laing O'Rourke, at the forefront of construction innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving real change in the industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction with cutting-edge technology and impactful insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction planning and proficiency in scheduling tools like Primavera P6.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Senior Optimisation Manager
Location
UK (Dartford preferred but flexible)
Company
Akordi, a Laing O'Rourke subsidiary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking team working at the cutting edge of project optimisation for major infrastructure programmes.
As a Senior Optimisation Manager you will combine advanced digital tools, AI‑enabled analytics and real‑world construction expertise to provide insights that increase planning certainty and improve delivery outcomes across rail, highways, energy, utilities and major capital programmes.
You will work closely with senior project leaders to shape smarter, more predictable project performance.
Are you ready to move into the future of construction optimisation? If the answer is yes then you are ready to join Akordi.
About Akordi
Akordi provides AI‑driven intelligence services for construction and infrastructure projects.
We are growing rapidly, moving from start‑up to scale‑up, and work with government bodies, major developers and contractors to solve complex delivery challenges using decision intelligence and advanced analytics.
What you will do
- Perform simulations and modelling to support decisions on staging, sequencing, planning, scheduling and re‑baselining.
- Use Akordi's AI‑enabled tools and your planning and construction expertise to analyse schedules and identify optimisation opportunities across time, cost, risk and resources.
- Review past performance to extract lessons learned and highlight opportunities for improvement.
- Identify critical schedule risks, develop and validate mitigation options with delivery teams.
- Produce clear, evidence‑based insights, reports and visualisations tailored to diverse client needs.
- Work closely with the Solutions Delivery Lead and global experts to align and develop our services.
- Present findings confidently in client workshops, schedule reviews and planning meetings.
- Ensure all assessments comply with UK delivery frameworks such as NEC, PACE and GRIP/GRIP‑Lite.
- What you will bring
- Experience in construction or infrastructure, including major UK projects.
- Experience of hands‑on planning experience (site or project office).
- Strong capability in developing and optimising master schedules for complex programmes.
- Expert proficiency in Primavera P6 and solid knowledge of other scheduling/project controls tools.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, construction methodologies and phasing strategies.
- Strong analytical, communication, presentation and report‑writing skills.
- Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable working independently in fast‑paced environments.
- A collaborative, client‑focused approach with the ability to work in a small delivery team.
- Curiosity and adaptability, with a strong appetite for using new optimisation tools and techniques.
About Us
Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.
Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want.
And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it.
Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork.
We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'.
This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position.
Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.
We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all.
If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke. com.
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Planning Manager - AI Optimisation in Dartford employer: Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic environment of Stansted. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to lead impactful projects within the aviation sector, all while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager - AI Optimisation in Dartford
✨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, 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 Planning Manager - AI Optimisation at Laing O'Rourke.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager - AI Optimisation in Dartford
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
✨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!
