At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and scheduling for large-scale renewable projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget compliance.
- Company: Join Scottish Power Renewables, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Project Controls with experience in complex infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client Scottish Power Renewables (Onshore) are currently recruiting for a Lead Planner to join their team based in Glasgow on a contract basis initially. For this role they are ideally looking for an experienced Planner with a background in planning and scheduling within a similar industry to Scottish Power.
Job Purpose Statement
This role sits as a member of the Project Services Team for the UK Onshore Business within ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) and will report into the Head of Programme Office. The Lead Planner will support the Onshore Team in the development and delivery of large-scale Onshore Wind projects (and others if applicable) and take responsibility for leading the planning, scheduling and reporting of these projects and the overall portfolio.
Accountability Statements
- Lead the development, integration, and governance of individual project and portfolio-level programmes of work for renewable projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivery milestones using standard planning tools and methodologies.
- Own and drive programme performance reporting, providing regular and ad-hoc insight on schedule, resources, and cost performance (actual vs planned), enabling informed decision-making and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with business objectives.
- Provide planning leadership and technical assurance across the function, establishing and embedding standardised planning tools, processes, and controls, while reviewing and challenging programme quality, accuracy, robustness, and contractual compliance (including delays, float analysis, and critical path integrity).
- Lead the development and optimisation of detailed project schedules, defining logical sequencing across all phases (Design, Procurement, Construction), and critically reviewing subcontractor programmes, driving alignment and implementing improvements where required.
- Ensure full integration of supply chain and equipment delivery programmes, including tendering, procurement, inspection, testing, and logistics, ensuring alignment with the overall project schedule and proactive management of key dependencies.
- Own schedule risk management, proactively identifying, assessing, and driving mitigation of risks, issues, bottlenecks, and critical path impacts leading the development of optimised programme scenarios and contributing to the Development Pipeline and Capital Programme at hub and portfolio level.
- Lead planning coordination across complex contractor and supplier interfaces, ensuring robust alignment between turbine, solar, battery, electrical, infrastructure, and grid contractors to optimise programme delivery and minimise interface risk.
- Provide high-quality forecasting, reporting, and strategic insight to senior stakeholders, including the Head of PMO, and wider leadership, translating complex planning data into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Challenge and hold contractors accountable for programme performance, ensuring progress aligns with agreed schedules and that key milestones are achieved, with clear escalation and recovery planning where required.
- Act as a key partner to Project Managers and the wider delivery team, leading programme-related risk identification and mitigation, and influencing decision-making to protect and enhance project outcomes.
Dimensions
- The Onshore Team is responsible for the development and delivery of the Onshore Renewables portfolio. The Strategic Capital Programme includes investment of >£3bn.
- The Lead Planner is responsible for leading in the planning and scheduling and ensuring the planning and coordination of tasks, activities and deliverables associated with multiple projects, multiple stakeholders and coordination of projects across the entire Hub Team with typical values up to £150m per project.
- Responsible for the planning and coordination of project aspects with consultants/contractors employed on site and within contractor's organisation.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant Engineering or Project Controls discipline, with substantial experience operating at a senior level within complex infrastructure or construction environments.
- Experience in Project Controls within large, complex programmes, with a proven ability to lead planning activities across multiple projects or portfolios.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, operating effectively across matrixed organisations and providing expert planning advice to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.
- Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM) and integrated project controls, with a strong capability across schedule, cost, risk, and change management disciplines, and the ability to translate data into meaningful performance insight.
- Expert user of planning and scheduling tools (e.g. Primavera P6, MS Project), with deep experience in developing, integrating, and assuring complex engineering and construction programmes.
- Understanding of CDM Regulations and relevant Health, Safety & Environmental legislation, with the ability to ensure programme integration reflects regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Developed reporting and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex, multi-disciplinary information into clear, concise outputs for a wide range of stakeholders, including executive-level audiences.
- Leadership in multi-disciplinary, multi-contractor environments, with the ability to drive collaboration, challenge constructively, and secure information and alignment from stakeholders outside direct control.
- Analytical and problem-solving capability, with a strong focus on risk identification, mitigation strategy development, and proactive issue resolution within complex programmes.
- Knowledge of contract and commercial frameworks, including tender documentation, contract specifications, and their application to programme development, monitoring, and change control.
- Deep understanding and application of a range of planning, scheduling, and progress measurement methodologies, with the ability to select and implement the most appropriate approach for complex programme environments.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and planning excellence, with experience in establishing standards, driving best practice, and mentoring or developing others within the planning or project controls function.
Planning & Organising
- Proactively manage senior stakeholder expectations, ensuring clear alignment between programme performance, risks, and delivery priorities.
- Provide authoritative planning advice to Onshore teams and contractors, clearly articulating the impact of programme risks, issues, and constraints.
- Balance technical planning integrity with commercial and strategic considerations, delivering well-reasoned recommendations that optimise programme outcomes while managing risk exposure.
- Ensure all planning assumptions, recommendations, and decisions are robustly evidenced and documented, maintaining a clear audit trail to support internal governance and external assurance or due diligence activities.
- Demonstrate strong professional judgement, confidently defending recommendations where appropriate, while remaining open to challenge and driving the identification of better or more efficient solutions.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of structured, data-driven briefings and presentations to senior stakeholders, including the Head of PMO, ensuring clarity, credibility, and actionable insight.
- Maintain agility and responsiveness in a dynamic delivery environment, leading and prioritising ad-hoc requests without compromising delivery of critical programme objectives.
- Operate effectively within a complex matrix organisation, maintaining focus on key deliverables across multiple concurrent projects, while providing coordination and leadership across interfaces and competing priorities.
Internal and External Relationships
Managing Project Development and Delivery Requirements
Internal
- Project Development Team
- Project Services
- Technical Services
- Engineering Team
- Site Operations team
- Commercial and legal teams
- Control (finance) team
- Regulations and markets team
- Executive Team
- Corporate Communications
External
- Planning Authorities
- Technical/Environmental consultants
- Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
- Infrastructure contractors/Equipment suppliers
- Technical Advisors
- Contracted Site Teams
Minimum Criteria (mandatory)
- Degree qualified or equivalent in relevant Engineering discipline (preferred)
- Experience in a Project Controls role within large, complex infrastructure or construction projects
- Relevant development and / or construction experience
- IT literate
Locations
Lead Planner in Glasgow, Scotland employer: Morson Edge
Scottish Power Renewables is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow that fosters innovation and collaboration within the renewable energy sector. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, with opportunities for growth through mentorship and involvement in large-scale projects that contribute to a sustainable future. The company promotes a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, ensuring that every team member's contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner in Glasgow, Scotland
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Morson Edge.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Morson Edge appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner in Glasgow, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Morson Edge know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Morson Edge is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
