At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage project programmes for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join OCU, a leader in the UK's energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth, and supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and proficiency in project management software.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
Department: Regulated Power
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Scotland
Reporting To: Stephen Donnelly
Description: Location: Scotland | Contract Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-Time | Office Based
Pay / Benefits: Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.
The Opportunity: OCU is delivering major infrastructure and utility projects that play a critical role in supporting the UK's energy transition and future network requirements. As a Planner, you'll be responsible for developing, maintaining, and monitoring project programmes that help drive successful delivery across the project lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing project controls function where you'll work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Designers, and operational teams to ensure projects remain on track, risks are proactively managed, and key milestones are achieved. If you enjoy problem-solving, analysing project data, and influencing successful project outcomes, we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
- Develop and maintain detailed project programmes from project inception through to completion.
- Collaborate with project teams to understand project requirements, constraints, and delivery objectives.
- Produce and update project schedules using planning software and project control tools.
- Conduct programme analysis to identify critical activities, risks, and potential delivery challenges.
- Monitor project progress against baseline programmes and recommend corrective actions where required.
- Prepare progress reports, dashboards, and planning updates for project teams and stakeholders.
- Coordinate planning activities with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
- Support resource planning and utilisation to maximise efficiency across project delivery activities.
- Assist with risk assessments, programme recovery plans, and contingency planning.
- Promote best practice planning processes and support continuous improvement across project delivery teams.
What You'll Bring:
- Previous experience as a Planner within construction, infrastructure, engineering, utilities, or a similar project-led environment.
- Proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar planning software.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret project data and programme performance.
- Good understanding of project planning methodologies, scheduling techniques, and project controls.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Degree qualified in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Bonus if you have experience working within utilities, power, energy, or infrastructure projects.
- It would be great if you have knowledge of NEC contracts and project change management processes.
- It would be great if you've supported multidiscipline project teams delivering complex construction programmes.
- Project management qualifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent would be advantageous.
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 in Scotland 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 in Scotland
✨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 in Scotland
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!
