At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning and scheduling dynamic construction projects with experienced professionals.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest privately-owned construction groups with a strong family ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, healthcare options, and structured career development.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and clear pathways to advance your career.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment while making a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management or related field; planning software knowledge is a plus.
Location: Reading & Surrounding Regional Projects
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About The Company
As one of the UK's largest privately-owned construction and development groups, they have built a reputation over more than 90 years for delivery excellence, quality, and strong family values. The Southern region continues to secure flagship projects across the Commercial, Industrial, Education, and Residential sectors. They are looking for an ambitious and detail-oriented Assistant Planner to join the team in Reading.
The Role
Working alongside our experienced Senior Planners and Project Managers, you will play a key role in the planning, scheduling, and overall delivery of dynamic construction projects across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your career with a tier-one contractor, gaining hands-on exposure to both pre-construction tender stages and live on-site delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Development: Assist in creating and updating baseline construction programs using Asta Powerproject.
- Progress Monitoring: Regularly visit project sites to track progress, update schedules, and identify potential delays or risk factors early.
- Site Team Collaboration: Work closely with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Subcontractors to ensure short-term look-ahead programs align with the master plan.
- Reporting: Prepare clear, concise weekly and monthly progress reports for internal management and client updates.
- Tender & Pre-Construction: Support the pre-construction team with logistic plans, phasing, and initial program draft schedules.
- Delay Analysis: Help analyze program variations and impact assessments when project changes occur.
What They Are Looking For
- Education: A degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Software Skills: Previous experience or a strong foundational knowledge of planning software (Asta Powerproject is highly desirable; Primavera P6 or MS Project welcome).
- Industry Experience: 1-3 years of experience in UK main contracting (either as a Junior/Assistant Planner, Graduate Engineer, or Site Engineer looking to transition into planning).
- Mindset & Communication: Strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and confident communication skills to liaise with clients and site teams.
- Travel: A full UK driving license (site visits across the region will be required).
- Lane Change: If you are an experienced Site Manager or Setting Out Engineer and enjoy the technical details but not the day-to-day on-site routine, this could be the opportunity to move that you have been looking for.
What They Offer
- Competitive Salary: Negotiable based on experience.
- Package: Car allowance / company car, competitive pension scheme, and healthcare options.
- Career Development: Structured training, mentorship from senior industry planners, and clear pathways to progress to Planner and Senior Planner roles.
- Work Culture: A supportive, family-owned culture where your contribution is recognized and valued.
Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
Planner - Assistant or Intermediate level in Reading employer: Randstad Construction and Property
Randstad Construction and Property is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. With competitive pay, weekly earnings, and the opportunity for temp-to-perm roles, you will find a rewarding career path while enjoying a great work-life balance in the beautiful city of Oxford. Join our dedicated team and take advantage of our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction.
Contact Details:
Randstad Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner - Assistant or Intermediate level in Reading
✨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 Randstad Construction and Property, 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 - Assistant or Intermediate level at Randstad Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner - Assistant or Intermediate level in Reading
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 Randstad Construction and Property
✨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!
