Planner

Planner

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and manage integrated programmes for major energy infrastructure projects across Scotland.
  • Company: Join OCU Energy, a leading player in the energy sector with a dynamic planning team.
  • Benefits: Permanent role with competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of energy innovation and make a real impact on project delivery.
  • Qualifications: Experience in construction planning, especially in energy infrastructure, and strong skills in Primavera P6.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced environment where your planning expertise shapes the future of energy.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Scotland-based (Central Belt preferred)

Working model: Permanent (PAYE)

Travel: Site visits across projects in the Central Belt (Hybrid)

Projects: HV, ICP and BESS schemes across Scotland

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Planner to support the development and delivery of major UK energy infrastructure projects across Scotland. 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 employer: Opals Group

OCU Energy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and ambitious work environment where planners play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee growth, our transformed Planning function provides opportunities to work alongside high-calibre professionals while engaging in meaningful projects that truly influence outcomes. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and the chance to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in project delivery.
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Contact Detail:

Opals Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planner

✨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

Show off your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, ask for an informal chat or coffee with someone from the company. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of HV, ICP, and BESS projects while also showing your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your understanding of project lifecycles and critical path management. We want you to be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled complex planning challenges in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our ambitious planning team.

We think you need these skills to ace Planner

Integrated Programme Management
HV Project Planning
Critical Path Management
Long-Lead Procurement Integration
Risk Management
Client Interface Skills
Advanced Primavera P6
Excel Proficiency
Understanding of NEC and/or FIDIC Contracts
Energy Infrastructure Knowledge
Programme Governance
Earned Value Reporting
Scenario Planning
Power BI Familiarity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planner role. Highlight your experience with HV, ICP, and BESS projects, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in Primavera P6 and Excel. We want to see how your background aligns 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 energy infrastructure and how your planning expertise can contribute to our ambitious goals. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.

Showcase Your Project Experience: When detailing your project experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve managed complex programmes or critical paths. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in previous roles!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with OCU Energy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand HV, ICP, and BESS projects. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in energy infrastructure in Scotland, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.

✨Master the Tools of the Trade

Since advanced Primavera P6 and Excel skills are essential for this role, brush up on these tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've used them in past projects, and maybe even bring examples of your work to demonstrate your proficiency.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding critical path management and risk mitigation. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated challenges in project planning and be ready to share those stories.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Planner, you'll need to interface with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information to clients, designers, and teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have with programme governance and reporting.

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