At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Planner to shape the future of construction projects and influence planning processes.
- Company: OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, digital learning opportunities, flexible pay options, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction planning while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HNC in Building Studies or related field, with experience in construction planning and project controls.
About The Role:
OCS UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Planner to support our Bids, Tenders and Pre-Construction activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to develop an autonomous role and influence the future process and direction of planning and programming within OCS.
You will support both tender and operational delivery teams by producing fully logic-linked programmes, identifying and communicating programme risks, and ensuring planning information is clear, accessible and meaningful to all project stakeholders.
Working closely with our Pre-Construction and Bid teams during the tender stage, you will also support Operations Managers and Project Managers throughout project delivery. Your work will help our teams make confident, data-led decisions, keep projects on track and maximise opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Tender Stage
- Develop fully logic-linked design, procurement and construction tender programmes.
- Produce, or support the production of, programme narratives, logistics plans and method statements for tender submissions.
- Engage with project teams and supply-chain partners to test and refine programme assumptions.
- Influence construction methodology and the sequencing of works.
- Create or lead the production of logistics, sequencing and phasing plans.
- Identify programme risks and ensure they are clearly recorded within the project risk register.
- Communicate programme risks, assumptions, dependencies and opportunities to relevant stakeholders.
- Attend tender meetings, reviews and settlement meetings where required.
- Ensure tender programmes are realistic, achievable and aligned with the proposed delivery strategy.
Construction Stage
- Support operational teams and Project Managers with onsite planning, reporting and programme controls.
- Develop target, baseline and master programmes for small to medium-sized projects.
- Ensure programmes are fully logic-linked and aligned with agreed project baselines.
- Work with operational teams to ensure programmes accurately reflect agreed construction methods.
- Monitor progress, identify delays and support the development of recovery or mitigation plans.
- Provide periodic programme updates and rescheduling support.
- Where there is no dedicated site planner, train and support Project Managers to update and progress their programmes.
- Identify, record and communicate changes that could affect programme delivery.
- Provide clear and meaningful planning information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Maintain consistently high planning and programme-control standards.
Essential Experience and Qualifications
- HNC, or equivalent qualification, in Building Studies, Construction Management or another relevant discipline.
- CSCS Construction Planner certification.
- Strong practical experience using either Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
- Demonstrable experience in construction planning, programme management and project controls.
- Experience producing and managing fully logic-linked construction programmes.
- Strong experience in programme review, cost and risk analysis, and progress reporting.
- Good understanding of the commercial factors that affect programme baselines and project delivery.
- Experience working across multidisciplinary construction projects.
- Ability to understand, identify and communicate programme risk and change.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working under NEC3 or NEC4 contracts.
- Experience producing or contributing to NEC activity schedules.
- Experience within the energy, infrastructure and/or building-services sectors.
- Experience supporting both pre-construction tender activity and live project delivery.
- Experience producing logistics plans, phasing plans and programme narratives.
- Previous experience training or supporting Project Managers with programme updates.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
- Clear and confident communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex planning concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Organised, self-motivated and comfortable working autonomously.
- Collaborative and respectful approach to working with colleagues, clients and supply-chain partners.
- Confident in recognising, recording and communicating project change.
- Commitment to maintaining high planning standards and supporting continuous improvement.
Security Clearance
OCS is a key delivery partner to the UK Government. The successful candidate must therefore either already hold Security Check clearance or be willing and able to undergo and successfully obtain SC clearance as a condition of the role.
About The Company:
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.
Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
Why Work for OCS?
Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
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Planner - Bids, Tenders and Pre-Construction employer: Manchester Arndale
OCS UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Court & Tribunal Security Officer at the Shrewsbury Justice Centre, you will benefit from fixed hours, potential overtime, and a structured environment that fosters growth and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build your career in security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner - Bids, Tenders and Pre-Construction
✨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 Manchester Arndale, 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 Planner - Bids, Tenders and Pre-Construction at Manchester Arndale.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner - Bids, Tenders and Pre-Construction
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 Manchester Arndale
✨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!
