At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and scheduling for major infrastructure projects in London and the South East.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a leader in sustainable solutions and innovative project delivery.
- Benefits: Empowerment, career growth, and meaningful work that impacts the planet.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mobility infrastructure while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in project planning, ideally in rail or infrastructure, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Arcadis Mobility Programme Management & Commercial Management unit is seeking a highly skilled Lead Project Planner to lead the planning and scheduling of one of our major programmes in London and the south of England. This pivotal role combines strategic planning, team leadership, and performance reporting to ensure successful project delivery. You will play a key role delivering mobility (rail, highways and aviation) infrastructure and driving continuous improvement.
Role accountabilities
- Lead planning and scheduling on complex projects, ensuring robust project controls throughout the lifecycle.
- Develop and maintain project baseline plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules aligned with delivery objectives.
- Monitor progress, identify variances, and implement recovery and contingency plans.
- Provide expert input into bids, estimates, and resource planning to support business growth.
- Report on earned value, progress, and performance to inform financial forecasting and decision‑making.
- Analyse project and programme data to identify trends, risks, and anomalies.
- Ensure compliance with planning standards and lifecycle frameworks.
- Audit contractor plans and monitor adherence to Network Rail procedures.
- Mentor and support planners, fostering skills development and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborate with clients, multidisciplinary teams, and stakeholders to deliver value and build strong relationships.
- Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and adopt emerging digital tools.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- 10+ year experience in project planning and scheduling, ideally within major rail or infrastructure programmes.
- Degree/HNC/HND in Engineering, Project Management, or a related subject.
- Strong understanding of UK mobility sector and project delivery requirements.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast‑paced environment.
- Proficient in planning software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
- Excellent organisational, commercial, and communication skills.
- Experience with project controls, cost engineering, and financial operations.
- Familiarity with different contracting environments and commercial models.
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
- Broad understanding of rail, highways or aviation engineering, construction and investment planning systems.
Benefits
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills‑based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximise the impact we can make together. You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. Together, we can create a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We believe that by working together diverse people with different experiences develop the most innovative ideas. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Workstreams: Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success.
Lead Planner - London & South East (L9) employer: Poutrix
Arcadis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every employee can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects in the mobility sector while collaborating with diverse teams in London and the South East. Join us to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable infrastructure and create a lasting legacy in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner - London & South East (L9)
✨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 Poutrix, 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 Lead Planner - London & South East (L9) at Poutrix.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner - London & South East (L9)
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 Poutrix
✨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!
