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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop and manage major energy infrastructure projects.
- Company: OCU Energy, a leading player in the energy sector with a transformative planning function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence real-world outcomes.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of energy innovation and make a tangible impact on project delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction planning, especially in the energy sector, and proficiency in Primavera P6.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
- Complex Programme Development: Develop and manage integrated programmes for HV (33kV–132kV), ICP and BESS projects across design, procurement, construction, testing, and energisation.
- Critical Path & Energisation Control: Own and protect energisation milestones, actively managing critical paths and re-sequencing works to mitigate risk and delay.
- Design Change & Technical Risk Integration: Plan around evolving technical constraints including fault level compliance, harmonic studies, inverter tuning, and grid acceptance requirements.
- Risk, Delay & Scenario Planning: Produce risk-based programmes, mitigation strategies, recovery schedules, and what-if scenarios addressing client, ground condition, and supplier risks.
- Long-Lead Procurement & Supplier Interface: Integrate long-lead HV equipment procurement into delivery logic, managing supplier changes and manufacturing delays.
- Construction & Cable Route Planning: Plan complex HV cable route works, incorporating ground conditions, temporary works (e.g. sheet piling), and site-driven resequencing.
- Stakeholder & DNO Interface: Interface confidently with clients, designers, ICPs, OEMs, and DNOs, aligning programmes with approvals and acceptance milestones.
- Programme Controls & Reporting: Deliver clear programme updates, narratives, and dashboards to support commercial, contractual, and governance requirements.
Essential Experience
- Proven background in construction or infrastructure planning, ideally within the energy sector.
- Demonstrable delivery of complex HV, grid connection, ICP, or energy infrastructure programmes.
- Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, with strong Excel capability.
- Strong understanding of project lifecycles from mobilisation through to energisation.
- Solid grasp of critical path analysis, programme logic, and delay mitigation.
- Working knowledge of NEC and/or FIDIC contracts.
Desirable Experience
- Substations, grid connections, ICP or BESS project exposure.
- Experience interfacing with DNOs, designers, OEMs, and clients.
- Familiarity with programme governance, earned value, and client-side reporting.
- Recovery programme and scenario planning experience.
- Power BI or similar reporting tools.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with strong communication skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Detail-focused, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of planning outputs.
- Adaptable to evolving project demands and technical challenges.
- Effective working independently or within integrated delivery teams.
Take the next step with OCU Energy. Join a planning team that’s shaping how energy infrastructure is delivered — not just supporting it. Apply now.
Planner (Temp to Perm) in Birmingham employer: Opals Group
Contact Detail:
Opals Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner (Temp to Perm) 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 help you land that Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine when discussing how your experience aligns with their ambitious goals in energy infrastructure. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We want you to feel confident talking about your skills in programme development and risk management, so you can impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our planning powerhouse at OCU Energy!
We think you need these skills to ace Planner (Temp to Perm) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planner role. Highlight your experience in construction or infrastructure planning, especially within the energy sector. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your application, focus on showcasing your experience with complex HV projects and your proficiency in tools like Primavera P6. We love seeing specific examples of how you've managed critical paths and mitigated risks in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and skills. Remember, we’re looking for detail-focused candidates who can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 our ambitious team at OCU Energy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of integrated project programmes, especially in the energy sector. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and managed complex HV projects in the past, as this will show your understanding of the role's key responsibilities.
✨Master the Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with Primavera P6 and Excel, as these are crucial for the Planner role. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used these tools to manage critical paths or mitigate risks in previous projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to explain how you've interfaced with clients, designers, and other stakeholders in past roles, showcasing your ability to align programmes with approvals.
✨Show Your Adaptability
The energy sector is ever-evolving, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing project demands or technical challenges. Share specific examples that highlight your proactive approach and detail-focused mindset, which are key attributes for success in this role.
