At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning for the Immingham Port marine infrastructure project.
- Company: Join Dragados UK, a leader in marine infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, potential for contract extension, and lodge support available.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within an expanding marine portfolio.
- Why this job: Shape programme delivery and influence major marine projects with a Tier 1 contractor.
- Qualifications: Experience in lead planning for heavy civil engineering and marine infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Lead Planner to support the delivery of the Immingham Port marine infrastructure project. This is a strategic planning role rather than a purely Primavera "operator" position.
The project already has a planner in place who is capable of maintaining programmes and inputting progress, but the business requires someone with the experience and credibility to lead the planning function, drive programme strategy and provide senior-level planning support to the Project Director. The initial contract is expected to be 6–9 months, with a strong likelihood of extension as other marine opportunities progress through the business.
Role Purpose
The successful planner will effectively sit above the existing project planner, taking ownership of the overall programme strategy while allowing the existing planner to manage day-to-day programme maintenance.
The role's focus:
- Owning the master programme and programme strategy.
- Developing programme narratives for client submissions.
- Ensuring programmes reflect construction methodology and contractual obligations.
- Producing recovery programmes where required.
- Supporting package managers with short-term look-ahead programmes.
- Coordinating planning information from subcontractors and the supply chain.
- Driving early warning identification and programme risk mitigation.
- Providing strategic planning input to the senior leadership team.
This is a role for someone who can challenge construction teams, influence package managers and communicate confidently with senior project stakeholders.
Reporting Structure
The Lead Planner will report directly into the Project Director, although there is the potential for the role to move under the central Project Controls function as the project develops.
What is Needed
This is not a requirement for another Primavera technician. Someone suitable can:
- Think strategically rather than simply update programmes.
- Produce high-quality programme narratives.
- Align programmes with contractual work information.
- Lead planning discussions with the client.
- Coordinate planning across multiple work packages.
- Mentor and guide the existing planner.
- Work closely with the supply chain to improve programme certainty.
The existing planner is viewed as competent from a systems perspective but lacks the experience to lead the planning function independently.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The strongest candidates are likely to have:
- Lead Planner experience on major heavy civil engineering projects.
- Exposure to marine infrastructure (ideally 1–2 years minimum).
- Significant heavy civils experience beyond marine.
- Experience working with Tier 1 contractors.
- Strong understanding of construction methodology.
- Confidence presenting programmes to clients.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- A personable, collaborative approach.
Marine experience is desirable, but Dragados place greater value on someone with a strong heavy civils background who understands how marine projects operate.
Key Technical Experience
Preferred backgrounds:
- Ports
- Marine terminals
- Quays
- Jetties
- Piling works
- Cofferdams
- Heavy reinforced concrete structures
- Earthworks
- Major infrastructure delivery
Understanding the operational challenges of working in live marine environments is considered important.
Commercial Details
Location: Immingham
Contract Length: 6–9 months initially
Rate: £600–750/day (all-inclusive), dependent on experience
Accommodation: Lodge support may be available for candidates living away.
Site Presence: Preference is for someone who can be onsite regularly (effectively daily initially), particularly while supporting and developing the existing planner. Longer term, there may be flexibility around reporting periods, but this is expected to be a highly visible site-based role.
Wider Pipeline
This appointment sits within a broader pipeline of marine work, creating potential follow-on opportunities beyond Immingham. Current opportunities include:
- Associated British Ports (ABP) – ongoing live pipeline.
- Port Talbot – progressing positively.
- Solent – active opportunity.
The intention is to build planning capability that can transfer across future marine schemes as projects commence. No work is guaranteed yet. The right person will almost likely be kept on to reinforce other projects across UK and Ireland.
Key messages:
- Strategic planning position.
- Opportunity to shape programme delivery rather than simply maintain schedules.
- Direct exposure to Project Director.
- Major Tier 1 marine infrastructure project.
- Strong likelihood of follow-on opportunities within Dragados' expanding marine portfolio.
- Suitable for planners who enjoy influencing delivery teams, engaging with clients and leading programme strategy rather than purely operating Primavera.
Lead Planner - Civils in Immingham employer: Urban Connect
Urban Connect is an excellent employer for Senior Mechanical Project Engineers, offering a competitive salary of up to £65,000 and a wealth of career development opportunities. Located in Sheffield, the company fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture, allowing employees to thrive while contributing to significant infrastructure projects that prioritise efficiency, safety, and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner - Civils in Immingham
✨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 Urban Connect.
✨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 Urban Connect appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner - Civils in Immingham
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 Urban Connect 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 Urban Connect 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 Urban Connect
✨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.
