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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for iconic power projects and shape construction strategies.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in transformative infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, 33 days holiday, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's low-carbon energy future.
- Qualifications: Experience in major power projects and proficiency in planning software.
- Other info: Empowering environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Power Up Your Career – Join the Team Behind the Great Grid Upgrade
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.
As part of Laing O\’Rourke\’s growing Power Sector, you\’ll play a key role in shaping this nationally significant programme of works.
đź”— The Great Grid Upgrade
🔗 Laing O\’Rourke appointed as construction partner
The Role
We\’re looking for experienced Senior or Principal Pl 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?
- 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.
About Us
Laing O\’Rourke is at the forefront of delivering transformative infrastructure. Joining us of a team that is driving the UK\’s transition to a low‑carbon energy future. You\’ll be empowered to lead, innovate and leave a lasting mark on projects of national significance.
We offer a competitive remuneration package (base salary + car/travel allowance) with access to Private Medical Insurance; 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!
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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Principal Planner employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your pitch. We recommend highlighting your experience with complex power sector projects and how you’ve led planning efforts in the past. Show them you’re the strategic thinker they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills! Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Asta and Primavera P6, and how you’ve used these tools to optimise project delivery. We want to see that you can back up your claims with solid examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planner role. Highlight your experience in power sector projects and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of planning processes and tools like Asta or Primavera P6. We’re looking for someone who can lead and mentor, so let us know how you've done this in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Present your experience and achievements in a straightforward manner. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Laing O'Rourke!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Sector Inside Out
As a Principal Planner, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of the power sector. Brush up on recent projects, especially those involving HVDC, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with Laing O'Rourke's goals in this area.
✨Showcase Your Planning Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with Asta and Primavera P6. Bring examples of how you've developed competitive programmes and construction strategies that optimise time and cost. This will show you can hit the ground running.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to present complex information to various stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and planning processes in a clear, concise manner. This will help you stand out as a strong communicator, which is key for this role.
✨Be Ready to Lead and Mentor
Laing O'Rourke values collaborative leadership. Think of examples where you've mentored others or led a team through a challenging project. Highlighting your ability to build effective relationships will resonate well with the interviewers.
