PROJECT PLANNER (MEP & CONSTRUCTION) Salary: £60,000–£70,000 per annum Location: Kings Cross, with an agile working model including project/site and office attendance. Reporting to: Lead of Planning and Strategic Operations Director Role Overview Our client is seeking an experienced Project Planner (MEP & Construction) to develop, manage and maintain robust project programmes across a portfolio of Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health (MEP) and construction projects. The successful candidate will work closely with operational, commercial, design, procurement and project delivery teams to ensure programmes are realistic, achievable and aligned with project and business objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong planning professional to play a key role in driving programme certainty, identifying risks and opportunities, and supporting successful project delivery through effective planning, monitoring and reporting. Planning & Programme Management Develop and maintain compliant, robust project programmes aligned with project and business objectives. Create programmes from first principles, including interpreting drawings, performing quantity take-offs, applying productivity/output rates, assessing resource requirements and determining realistic activity durations. Establish logical construction sequences that reflect efficient and collaborative delivery methodologies. Produce detailed tender, pre-construction, design, fabrication, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover programmes. Ensure all project programmes are regularly updated and accurately reflect current project status. Integrate MEP services activities with wider construction programmes to ensure coordinated delivery. Project Monitoring & Control Monitor programme performance against agreed baselines. Identify programme risks, constraints, delays and opportunities, implementing appropriate mitigation measures. Analyse critical path activities and assess programme impacts arising from changes, delays or disruptions. Drive corrective actions to maintain project milestones and completion dates. Support project teams in developing recovery and acceleration plans where required. Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams to manage programme interfaces and dependencies. Participate in project weekly review meetings and prepare weekly lookaheads and progress reviews. Facilitate planning workshops and programme review meetings weekly or daily as necessary. Communicate programme requirements and critical activities clearly to project stakeholders. Present complex planning information in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences. Commercial & Strategic Support Provide commercial insight regarding programme impacts, labour productivity, production rates and construction sequencing. Support commercial teams in evaluating the effects of variations, compensation events and programme changes. Assist in developing tender submissions by identifying optimal delivery strategies and programme efficiencies. Support claims preparation through programme analysis and forensic review where required. Reporting, Governance & Continuous Improvement Prepare and present regular progress reports to senior management, clients and project teams. Report on programme trends, labour efficiencies, key milestones and performance indicators. Produce programme narratives and mitigation strategies. Ensure planning outputs comply with contractual obligations and company standards. Support continuous improvement initiatives across planning processes, systems and reporting methodologies. Contribute to the development of planning standards, templates and best practices. Promote collaborative planning and lessons learned across the business. Knowledge, Skills & Experience Essential Proven experience as a Construction Planner, MEP Planner or Project Planner within the building services and construction industry. Skilled in programme development from first principles, including interpretation of drawings and specifications, quantity take-offs, productivity/output rates, activity durations and logical programme sequencing. Demonstrable experience developing and managing programmes throughout tender, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover phases. Strong understanding of construction and MEP installation methodologies. Experience monitoring programme performance and implementing recovery strategies. Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Strong commercial awareness and understanding of programme-related project risks and opportunities. Desirable Experience working on complex MEP, commercial, data centre, healthcare, education, infrastructure or public sector projects. Knowledge and practical experience of NEC, JCT and FIDIC contracts. Experience supporting delay analysis, change management and compensation event assessments. Membership of a relevant professional body such as APM, CIOB or equivalent. Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Building Services or a related discipline. Personal Attributes Highly organised and detail-oriented. Collaborative and relationship-focused. Proactive and solutions-driven. Commercially aware with strong business acumen. Resilient under pressure with excellent prioritisation skills. Professional, credible and confident when engaging with clients and project teams. Training, Site Audit & Development Attend sites and office locations to support or lead training sessions on project planning principles and protocols. Review planning best practice and undertake audits to inspect that site, project management and engineering teams are using the relevant software and processes in the correct format. Working Model The role operates on an agile working model, with regular attendance across project sites and office locations, alongside supporting and leading training sessions on project planning principles and protocols. For more information regarding the above role, please contact Stephen Tiigah – (url removed)
PROJECT PLANNER (MEP & CONSTRUCTION) employer: Skilled Careers
At Skilled Careers, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer in the construction industry, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Our employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, competitive pay, and a commitment to safety, all while working in the vibrant community of Barton Le Clay. Join us to not only advance your career but also to be part of a company that truly cares about its workforce and their development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PROJECT PLANNER (MEP & CONSTRUCTION)
✨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 Skilled Careers, 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 PROJECT PLANNER (MEP & CONSTRUCTION) at Skilled Careers.
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 Skilled Careers
✨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!
