At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project programmes from start to finish, ensuring timely delivery and success.
- Company: Join OCU, a leader in major power infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career progression in a rapidly growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or project controls, preferably in construction or utilities.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Greenwich | Contract Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-Time | Office Based | Regular Travel
Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector. OCU is delivering major power infrastructure projects across the UK, including EHV cable systems, substations, and complex electrical network developments. As a Senior Planner, you'll play a critical role in shaping and controlling project delivery programmes from initial feasibility and tender stages through to construction and project completion. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing project controls function where you'll work closely with designers, project teams, clients, and supply chain partners to drive programme certainty and support successful project outcomes. If you thrive on solving complex planning challenges and enjoy influencing delivery across major infrastructure projects, we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Develop and manage project programmes from pre-construction through to project completion.
- Coordinate planning inputs from civil, electrical, and multidisciplinary design teams.
- Produce and maintain detailed project schedules, ensuring programmes accurately reflect project scope and delivery requirements.
- Monitor progress and update programmes throughout the project lifecycle, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Analyse programme performance and provide accurate reporting to project teams, clients, and senior stakeholders.
- Cost load, resource load, and code project programmes to support effective project controls and reporting.
- Support Project Managers with planning, change management, and programme recovery activities.
- Attend client, design, progress, and project meetings to provide planning expertise and programme updates.
- Liaise with clients, contractors, consultants, and delivery teams to ensure alignment on key project milestones and deliverables.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across planning and project controls activities.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience in a Planning or Project Controls role within power, utilities, infrastructure, civil engineering, or construction environments.
- Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6.
- Experience developing and maintaining project programmes across complex construction projects.
- Good understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and project lifecycle management.
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and awareness of change management processes.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Degree or Master's qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Bonus if you have experience working on substation, EHV cable, transmission, or power infrastructure projects.
- It would be great if you have experience using Microsoft Project alongside Primavera P6.
- It would be great if you have knowledge of FIDIC or JCT contract forms.
- CSCS card and an understanding of project controls methodologies would be advantageous.
- Experience with cost loading, resource loading, and earned value reporting would be beneficial.
What We Offer
At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us. Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace. As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.
For a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please contact Jonathan Bryden.
Our vacancies are typically advertised for two weeks; however, we reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable candidates. We therefore encourage early applications.
Planner employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greenwich where Quantity Surveyors can thrive. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our 'Careers with Purpose' initiative, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported while working on significant infrastructure projects. With competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture, OCU is the ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner
✨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 OCU Group, 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 at OCU Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner
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 OCU Group
✨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!
