At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop detailed construction programmes for complex projects.
- Company: Join a leading construction contractor with a strong project portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Play a key role in delivering impactful construction projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction planning, Asta Powerproject, and NEC contracts required.
Date posted: September 11, 2026
Job description
Senior Planner – Construction
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire Salary: Competitive, depending on experience Job Type: Permanent Sector: Construction / Building / Civil Engineering
Are you an experienced Planner or Senior Planner looking for your next opportunity with a leading construction business?
We are working with a well-established construction contractor who is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Planner to join their team in Watford.
This is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional with strong planning experience to play a key role in the successful delivery of complex projects across a range of sectors.
You will work closely with the Project Team, Planning Team, Design Team, Commercial Team and Supply Chain, developing robust, logical and deliverable programmes from pre-construction through to project completion.
The Role
As a Senior Planner, you will be responsible for developing and managing detailed construction programmes, identifying potential issues and providing clear planning insight to support successful project delivery.
You will be comfortable working in live construction environments and have the experience to identify programme risks early, develop mitigation strategies and communicate the potential impact to key project stakeholders.
The role will also involve supporting resource planning for current projects and future workloads, ensuring programmes are achievable, properly sequenced and aligned with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and manage detailed construction programmes and project schedules.
- Produce logical and achievable programmes from pre-construction through to project completion.
- Use Asta Powerproject, Primavera P6 and Excel to develop and manage programmes.
- Work closely with Project Managers, Site Managers, Commercial Teams, Design Teams and Supply Chain Partners.
- Develop detailed construction sequences and ensure programmes reflect project buildability.
- Identify programme risks, delays, constraints and critical activities at an early stage.
- Develop mitigation and recovery strategies to minimise the impact of programme delays.
- Support project teams with resource planning and forecasting.
- Monitor progress against the baseline programme and provide clear reporting on programme performance.
- Assist with the preparation and assessment of Extension of Time (EOT) submissions.
- Develop programmes and supporting information to demonstrate entitlement under NEC contracts.
- Collaborate with design and estimating teams to ensure construction programmes are practical, achievable and commercially aligned.
- Provide planning input into future project workloads and resource requirements.
- Communicate programme changes, risks and opportunities clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the wider planning function and contribute to improving planning processes and best practice.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Construction Planner / Senior Planner with a strong understanding of project planning and programme management.
You will ideally have
- Proven experience working as a Planner or Senior Planner within the construction industry.
- Experience developing and managing detailed construction programmes.
- Strong working knowledge of Asta Powerproject and/or Primavera P6.
- Good knowledge of Excel and programme reporting.
- Experience working with NEC contracts and an understanding of Extension of Time requirements.
- Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, sequencing and buildability.
- Experience identifying programme risks and developing mitigation strategies.
- The ability to work effectively with Project Managers, Commercial Teams, Designers, Site Teams and Supply Chain.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive approach with the ability to challenge programmes and identify potential problems before they impact delivery.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to manage priorities across multiple projects and deadlines.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded construction organisation with a strong project portfolio and a collaborative working environment.
You will have the opportunity to work on complex construction projects across a variety of sectors while developing your career within an established and forward-thinking business.
The company also recognises the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including opportunities for hybrid/home working depending on project requirements.
Apply Now
If you're an experienced Construction Planner or Senior Planner with experience in Asta, Primavera P6, NEC contracts and construction programming, we'd like to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV to be considered for this opportunity in Watford.
Keywords: Senior Planner, Planner, Construction Planner, Construction Planning, Senior Construction Planner, Project Planner, Planning Engineer, Construction Programme, Project Programme, Asta Powerproject, Primavera P6, P6 Planner, NEC, NEC Contracts, EOT, Extension of Time, Programme Management, Resource Planning, Construction Sequencing, Project Controls, Construction Management, Watford, Hertfordshire.
Work Location: In person
Planner in Watford employer: Sphere Solutions
Join a dynamic and established building contractor in South Wales, where your role as a Project Manager will not only challenge you but also offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, you'll manage significant projects across vital sectors like healthcare and education, all while working in a collaborative environment that values safety and quality. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while advancing your career in a thriving company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner in Watford
✨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 Sphere Solutions, 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 at Sphere Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner in Watford
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 Sphere Solutions
✨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!
