At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage integrated programmes for major energy infrastructure projects.
- Company: OCU Group, a fast-growing utility engineering contractor in the UK.
- Benefits: Empowering environment with opportunities for personal development and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team where your planning skills directly influence project outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction planning, especially in energy infrastructure, and strong Primavera P6 skills.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team driving best-in-class delivery standards.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions. Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue‑chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team. We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment. We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful. We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.
Location: UK-based (Midlands preferred)
Working model: Permanent (PAYE)
Travel: Regular site visits across Northern UK projects
Projects: HV, ICP and BESS schemes
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Planner to support the development and delivery of major UK energy infrastructure projects. This role sits at the heart of programme delivery, working closely with Senior Planners, Project Managers, and Engineering teams to build, maintain, and optimise fully integrated project programmes. Over the past nine months, the Planning function at OCU Energy has transformed from a small support unit into a true planning powerhouse — a growing team of high‑calibre planners, strong operational managers, and a forward‑thinking Director driving best‑in‑class delivery standards. Due to continued success and new project awards, we are expanding again. These roles are not about headcount growth alone — they are about ensuring every project receives the planning focus it deserves, keeping OCU clearly ahead of the competition. If you want to join a fast‑moving, ambitious environment where planning genuinely influences outcomes, this is your opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage integrated programmes for HV (33kV–132kV), ICP, and BESS projects.
- Protect energisation milestones, managing critical paths and re‑sequencing works as needed.
- Integrate long‑lead procurement into programme logic and manage supplier interfaces.
- Plan complex HV cable routes with temporary works and site‑driven changes.
- Produce risk‑based programmes, mitigation strategies, and recovery schedules.
- Interface with clients, designers, ICPs, OEMs, and DNOs.
- Deliver clear programme updates, dashboards, and reports for governance and commercial teams.
Essential Experience
- Proven construction or infrastructure planning background, preferably in energy.
- Experience delivering complex HV, ICP, or energy infrastructure programmes.
- Advanced Primavera P6 and strong Excel skills.
- Solid understanding of project lifecycles and critical path management.
- Knowledge of NEC and/or FIDIC contracts.
Desirable Experience
- Exposure to substations, grid connections, ICP, or BESS projects.
- Client, DNO, and OEM interface experience.
- Familiarity with programme governance, earned value reporting, and scenario planning.
- Experience with Power BI or similar tools.
Take the next step with OCU Energy. Join a planning team shaping how energy infrastructure is delivered — not just supporting it. Apply now.
Planner in Birmingham employer: OCU
Contact Detail:
OCU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching OCU Group and their projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our work and how your skills can contribute to our ambitious goals. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and the specifics of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop us a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planner role at OCU. Highlight your experience in energy infrastructure and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about planning and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your advanced Primavera P6 and Excel skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex programmes, so make sure we see that expertise front and centre!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining OCU!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into OCU Group's recent projects, especially in HV, ICP, and BESS. Being able to discuss specific projects and how your planning experience aligns with their needs will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Master the Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with Primavera P6 and Excel, as these are crucial for the Planner role. Brush up on any advanced features you might not have used recently, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects to manage timelines and critical paths.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the energy infrastructure landscape in the UK. Knowing about NEC and FIDIC contracts, as well as current trends in energy projects, will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to OCU's success.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to project governance or how they integrate long-lead procurement into their planning. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if OCU is the right fit for you.