Senior Planner in Chorley

Long Term Contract role Site based in Chorley for 4 days per week with Friday non working day Ideally Nuclear or highly regulated experience required Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Planner to join our project delivery team supporting complex projects within the nuclear sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, maintenance and assurance of integrated project schedules across the full project lifecycle, from concept and engineering design through procurement, manufacture, construction, commissioning and final handover. Working closely with Project Managers, Engineering Leads, Commercial Teams and Project Controls professionals, you will provide robust schedule management, performance analysis and forecasting to support effective decision-making and successful project delivery within a highly regulated environment. Key Responsibilities Develop, maintain and manage integrated project schedules covering: Engineering and design activities Procurement and supply chain activities Manufacturing and fabrication Construction and installation Testing and commissioning Handover and close-out Establish and maintain logic-linked baseline schedules using recognised planning methodologies. Define and manage critical paths, key interfaces, milestones and programme dependencies. Monitor project progress against approved baselines and identify potential schedule risks and opportunities. Conduct schedule variance analysis and provide recommendations to support recovery planning where required. Evaluate project changes and assess their impact on programme delivery, resources and key milestones. Produce detailed short-term and medium-term look-ahead programmes to support operational delivery teams. Perform schedule risk assessments and support quantitative risk analysis activities where required. Develop and maintain earned value and performance measurement reporting in support of project governance. Generate accurate forecasting information and progress reports for project and senior management teams. Support the implementation and management of programme controls standards, procedures and best practices. Facilitate planning workshops and collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure schedule alignment. Ensure compliance with nuclear industry quality, safety and regulatory requirements. Essential Experience & Qualifications Significant planning experience within the nuclear, defence, energy, infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors. Proven experience developing and managing complex project schedules across the full project lifecycle. Strong understanding of project controls principles, planning methodologies and schedule management techniques. Experience working on major engineering and construction projects. Proficient in planning software such as: Primavera P6 Microsoft Project Other recognised planning and scheduling tools Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex project data. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to challenge project assumptions and provide independent schedule assurance. Desirable Experience Previous experience working within the UK nuclear sector. Knowledge of NEC contracts and programme requirements. Experience of Earned Value Management (EVM). Understanding of change control, risk management and integrated project controls processes. Familiarity with ONR regulatory expectations and quality assurance requirements. Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM). Key Competencies Strategic planning and scheduling Critical path analysis Schedule risk management Forecasting and performance reporting Stakeholder engagement Programme assurance Change management Attention to detail Problem solving and decision support Collaboration and team leadership WKCL1_UKTJ