Job Vacancy: Planner – Bidding & Project Support Job Type: Permanent Sector: Major Infrastructure, Civil Engineering & Construction Location: London About the Role Dragados UK is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Preconstruction Planner to support major infrastructure tendering opportunities and project delivery activities across the UK. The primary focus of this role is to develop, coordinate, and maintain high-quality tender programmes, ensuring submissions are compliant, competitive, and aligned with bid strategy, construction methodologies, design requirements, procurement schedules, and project interfaces. You will work closely with bid managers, estimators, engineers, designers, construction teams, and supply chain partners to produce robust planning solutions that support successful tender submissions. You may also provide planning support to live projects, including baseline programme development, progress monitoring, and schedule integration. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional with strong Primavera P6 skills and experience in major infrastructure projects to contribute to complex, high-value bids and project delivery. Key Responsibilities Tender and Bidding Develop Level 2 and Level 3 tender programmes using Primavera P6. Review client requirements, contract conditions, and tender documentation to ensure programme compliance. Collaborate with bid managers, estimators, designers, and construction teams to develop effective construction methodologies and sequencing strategies. Coordinate planning information from design partners, temporary works teams, subcontractors, and the wider supply chain. Prepare tender programme narratives, logistics sequencing plans, planning assumptions, and supporting submission documents. Review subcontractor and partner programmes during two-stage tender processes and provide constructive feedback. Undertake schedule risk assessments, scenario planning, and optioneering to support bid decisions. Attend tender reviews, planning workshops, design meetings, and client engagements. Support responses to tender queries, requests for information (RFIs), programme clarifications, and governance reviews. Project Delivery Support Assist with the development and maintenance of baseline programmes during project mobilisation and periods of additional planning support. Integrate subcontractor and design schedules into overall project programmes. Monitor progress against key milestones and update schedules when supporting live projects. Contribute to progress reporting, earned value analysis (EVA), and programme risk updates. Coordinate project interfaces and ensure compliance with project controls standards. General Responsibilities Support the standardisation of planning processes, templates, and governance procedures. Produce logistics sequencing plans and time-related analysis. Promote planning best practice, continuous improvement, and benchmarking. Work collaboratively with Business Development, Technical Services, Estimating, and Project Controls teams. Maintain accurate programme records, assumptions, and supporting documentation. Essential Skills and Experience Strong proficiency in Primavera P6. Demonstrable experience in construction planning, particularly tender planning or early-stage project development. Experience developing construction programmes for major infrastructure projects. Knowledge of construction methodologies, planning techniques, schedule risk management, and cost and time integration. Ability to interpret contract documents, client requirements, and tender instructions. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard IT systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear programme narratives. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tender deadlines. Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills. Effective time management and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines. Qualifications and Desirable Experience Relevant experience planning major construction or infrastructure projects. Experience supporting tenders for projects valued at over £100 million is preferred. A formal planning or project controls qualification, such as APM, PMI, or an equivalent certification, is desirable. Experience in rail, highways, tunnelling, water, or other major civil engineering sectors would be advantageous. Our Values Excellence: Driving innovation, professional development, and continuous improvement. Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards and transparency. Trust: Building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and supply chain partners. Sustainability: Supporting responsible development and environmental stewardship. Profitability: Delivering value for our business, clients, and the communities in which we operate. What We Offer The opportunity to contribute to major UK infrastructure bids and projects. Exposure to complex, high-value tendering and project planning activities. Collaboration with experienced multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams. Opportunities to develop your planning expertise within a major infrastructure environment. How to Apply If you have strong Primavera P6 skills, experience in construction planning, and a background in major infrastructure tendering, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV, highlighting your relevant planning experience, infrastructure sector knowledge, and availability. Apply today to discuss the opportunity and agree your daily rate
Senior Preconstruction Planner employer: Urban Connect
As a leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our remote-first approach allows for flexibility while still providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the team. Join us to be part of meaningful projects that contribute to essential water infrastructure, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Preconstruction Planner
✨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 Urban Connect, 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 Senior Preconstruction Planner at Urban Connect.
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 Urban Connect
✨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!
