Civil Engineering Planning Lead

Vickerstock are pleased to be partnering with a specialist civil engineering contractor delivering technically complex infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. As the business continues to grow, they are seeking an experienced Civil Engineering Planning Lead to establish and develop a dedicated planning function within the business.

This newly created appointment represents the first step towards developing planning as a standalone function, giving the successful individual significant autonomy to shape how projects are programmed, monitored and delivered across the business.

With a salary of £90,000 - £100,000 plus package, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Planner or Planning Manager from a major civil engineering contractor who wants to take genuine ownership of a function rather than simply becoming another member of an established planning team.

Why this opportunity?

• Salary of £90,000 - £100,000 plus package
• Establish and take ownership of a newly created planning function
• Work directly with the Directors and senior leadership team
• Shape planning processes, systems and best practice across the business
• Work across technically complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Take responsibility for developing robust NEC programmes from pre-construction through delivery
• Join a growing specialist contractor with an established track record across major UK infrastructure
• Opportunity to develop the function and planning capability as the business continues to grow
• Flexible working arrangements with some opportunity for hybrid working

Your new role as Civil Engineering Planning Lead

As Planning Lead, you will take ownership of project planning across the business, working closely with the Directors, commercial teams, project managers and site delivery teams to ensure projects are effectively programmed and controlled. Initially operating as the senior planning specialist within the company, you will have the autonomy to establish processes and develop the planning function around the requirements of a growing civil engineering contractor.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes for complex civil engineering projects
• Producing robust NEC-compliant programmes from tender and pre-construction through to project delivery
• Developing baseline programmes, identifying critical paths and establishing key project milestones
• Using Primavera P6 to develop, monitor and update project programmes
• Working closely with Project Managers, Site Teams and Commercial Managers to ensure programmes accurately reflect construction methodology and project requirements
• Monitoring progress against programme and identifying potential delays, risks and opportunities
• Supporting project teams with programme recovery strategies and mitigation measures where required
• Providing clear planning and programme information to Directors, clients and project stakeholders
• Supporting tender submissions through the development of construction programmes, sequencing and methodologies
• Ensuring programme changes and project events are accurately captured throughout delivery
• Supporting the commercial team with programme information relating to NEC contractual requirements
• Establishing consistent planning procedures, reporting and best practice across the business
• Helping develop the company's longer-term planning capability as the project portfolio continues to grow

What you will need to succeed as Civil Engineering Planning Lead

Planning & technical experience:

• Significant planning experience within a major civil engineering contractor
• Strong understanding of civil engineering construction methodology and project delivery
• Demonstrable experience developing and managing complex construction programmes
• Advanced working knowledge of Primavera P6
• Strong experience developing and maintaining programmes under NEC contracts
• Experience taking projects from tender and pre-construction through to site delivery
• Ability to interrogate programmes, identify critical paths and provide practical solutions to programme challenges
• Strong understanding of the interaction between programme, construction methodology, commercial performance and contractual obligations

Leadership & commercial attributes:

• The confidence and experience to establish and take ownership of a standalone planning function
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with Directors and senior stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and a strong understanding of contractual programme requirements
• Ability to challenge project teams constructively and provide credible planning guidance
• A proactive approach with the ability to establish new processes and drive improvement
• Comfortable operating autonomously while working collaboratively with project and commercial teams

What's in it for you?

In return, you can expect:

• £90,000 - £100,000 salary plus package
• A newly created leadership position with genuine autonomy
• Direct access to the Directors and senior decision-makers
• The opportunity to build and shape a dedicated planning function
• Exposure to complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Some flexibility for hybrid working
• Significant long-term opportunity as the planning function and wider business continue to grow

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, or similar senior planning and civil engineering appointments across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK, please contact Brian Mitchell at Vickerstock Recruitment.