At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and coordination for innovative construction projects in the Life Sciences sector.
- Company: Join Sisk, a family-owned construction group shaping communities across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 26 days leave, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to equity, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects that shape how people live and work.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, planning software skills, and experience in construction management required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior Planner to join our Life Sciences scheme in Bicester on a 6-Month contract. At Sisk, we create places and infrastructure that shape how people live, work and connect – now and for future generations. As a family‑owned, international construction and engineering group, we offer meaningful careers across building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off‑site manufacturing throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, where people are supported to grow, make an impact and be part of positive change.
The Senior Planner supports the management team in planning and coordinating the design, procurement, and construction activities associated with the project works. The role leads programme and planning management throughout both the pre-construction and construction phases, ensuring effective scheduling, monitoring, and delivery. The Senior Planner is also responsible for producing regular weekly and monthly reports, providing clear feedback on project progress, performance, and key milestones.
Responsibilities
- Health & Safety: Ensure Planning assumptions and decisions incorporate Sisk’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Produce a construction methodology in close cooperation with the project team to effectively demonstrate the construction techniques and sequencing in order to safely deliver projects.
- Programme Development & Control: Lead in the development of the baseline contract programme, covering all aspects of design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover. All elements to be fully logic linked and have a critical path. To lead in the preparation of a construction (target) programme highlighting areas of improvement against the contract programme. Prepare a tender event programme for the procurement of subcontractors incorporating design release and lead in activities. Maintain electronic files and administration of planning and programme documents to facilitate retrieval as required. Utilising the common data environment (CDE). Provide all programme information as required support the management team. To develop a 4D graphical model, where required or 2D phasing plans. To represent the sequence of build, phasing and logistics. Use the construction programme to produce / assist in the production of project prelim books including, but not limited to, staff resource, logistics and temporary works requirements. To engage with the supply chain to develop the project programme with regards to design, lead-in’s, construction periods, plant & labour requirements. To review risk and opportunities for every programme produced and highlight potential mitigation measures in the programme, including float and time risk allowances.
- Reporting, Progress & As-built Information: Develop tracking schedules as required to maintain information and control the production of programmes by the subcontractors. To keep an as built programme, highlighting where the programme has deviated from the baseline programme. Input to change requests as required to advise on programme impacts for approval and instructions as necessary to facilitate the works. To use the 4D model and/or 2D phasing information to highlight the current progress position of the programme. Produce validated output rates with appropriate clarifications to track live progress on projects, as well as feedback into the pre-construction department to inform new tenders. Undertake proactive peer reviews of other planners programmes to ensure consistency and continuity within the planning department.
- Management Responsibilities: To report back to the Regional Planner the current programme position on all projects they are working on a weekly/monthly basis. To regularly review programmes, outputs and phasing with the Regional Planner. To carry out PDP’s with all assistant planners and to drive through actions/activities identified in the individual’s development plan. To lead and coordinate with others in the duties under planning and programme management in the preconstruction process. To lead and coordinate with others in the duties under planning and programme management on site. Input to the assessment of the programme and entitlements under the contract – coordinate outputs with the management team. Lead input to the programme reporting weekly and monthly as required. To report the programme position at the monthly contract review meeting. Check the quality of the production of planning and programme documents generally under their control, including the site teams and assistant planners. Prove programme periods by means of sub-contractor liaison, benchmarking from previous or similar projects and project team consultation.
Experience
- Successful track record of working with clients, contractors and other stakeholders on live construction projects.
- Experience of working within a team.
- Extensive knowledge of UK and EU legal framework, in particular contract management.
- Experience managing Planning teams.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of industry best practice.
Qualifications
- Relevant Degree or diploma Qualifications in construction management.
- Certification for use of planning and programme software.
- Membership of relevant professional body, where applicable.
- Advanced Asta Powerproject Training – Progress Analysis & S-curve reporting.
- Advanced Primavera P6 Training Managing costs & resources.
- Managing People Training.
- Advanced contract awareness – Understanding JCT and NEC forms of contract.
- Basic BIM training and understanding of the common data environment.
- Synchro Training - Advanced training is required to be able to use the software to its full potential.
Additional Information
At Sisk, your rewards package goes far beyond your salary. Our most valued benefits include: Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave, Pension scheme, Comprehensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle supports, Career development opportunities and much more as part of our Total Rewards programme.
At Sisk, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to work with purpose, grow a career without limits and be part of a supportive, collaborative team.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all candidates.
We understand that the confidence gap or imposter syndrome can discourage great people from applying. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to express your interest — your skills, experience and potential are what matter.
All recruitment materials are designed to meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal access for every applicant.
Senior Planner (Contract) employer: Sisk
At John Sisk & Son, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned international construction company that values trust, certainty, and value for our clients. Our London-based Data Centre team offers a dynamic work culture where you can lead significant MEP projects while enjoying unlimited learning and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a supportive environment that fosters employee growth and embraces innovation in sustainable construction practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner (Contract)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Sisk.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Sisk appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Sisk know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Sisk is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sisk
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
