At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to plan and manage major data centre construction projects.
- Company: Leading specialist contractor in the data centre and construction sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Great long-term career progression and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of landmark projects and advance your career in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in project planning and knowledge of construction management tools.
A leading specialist contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Project Planner to join its growing delivery team on a flagship hyperscale data centre development in Acton, West London. This is an exciting opportunity to become involved in one of London's major mission-critical construction projects, supporting the delivery of two new hyperscale data centres alongside associated infrastructure and enabling works. Working within a highly experienced project team, you'll play a pivotal role in developing, maintaining and analysing project programmes, ensuring works are planned, monitored and delivered efficiently throughout every phase of the construction lifecycle.
The role offers exposure to technically complex projects within the data centre, defence and energy sectors, providing an excellent opportunity for an experienced Planner looking to further develop their career within one of the UK's leading specialist contractors.
Role OverviewYou will be responsible for:
- Developing and maintaining baseline and live construction programmes throughout the project lifecycle
- Supporting programme development across tender, design, construction, commissioning and project close-out stages
- Producing look-ahead programmes, progress reports and programme updates for project teams
- Monitoring programme performance, identifying critical path activities, float and potential delays
- Carrying out programme analysis and 'what-if' scenarios to support project delivery
- Identifying programme risks and escalating issues to the Project Manager where appropriate
- Supporting change control procedures, programme revisions and baseline management
- Maintaining accurate planning records and programme data throughout the project
- Working closely with Project Managers, Engineers and Site Management teams to ensure robust planning information
- Assisting with tender programmes, construction sequencing and logistics planning
- Supporting planning discussions with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
- Providing planning information for extension of time, delay analysis and project controls where required
- Contributing towards continuous improvement of planning processes and reporting standards
- Previous experience as a Project Planner within the construction industry
- Experience delivering programmes across tender, pre-construction and live construction phases
- Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or ASTA Powerproject
- Good understanding of construction sequencing, project controls and programme management
- Experience working under NEC contracts, with FIDIC knowledge advantageous
- Ability to analyse critical path, float, programme risk and project performance
This specialist contractor delivers technically complex construction and engineering projects across the data centre, defence and energy sectors throughout the UK. Offering a fully integrated service from early site acquisition and design through to construction and client handover, the business has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality solutions within some of the country's most demanding environments. With a strong pipeline of secured work and continued investment in people and technology, they provide excellent long-term career opportunities for ambitious construction professionals.
What's in it for you?- £75,000 - £80,000 + Package
- Car allowance
- Private healthcare
- Competitive pension scheme
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eyecare vouchers
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + Birthday off
- Excellent long-term career progression
- Opportunity to work on landmark hyperscale data centre developments
Walker & Sloan are a BCorp certified recruitment business specialising in construction and the built environment.
Project Planner employer: Walker & Sloan
Join a respected architectural practice in Hereford, renowned for its innovative approach to architecture and commitment to conservation. With a collaborative culture and a diverse portfolio of projects, including Grade I listed buildings, this company offers excellent career progression opportunities and the chance to work closely with a supportive design team. You'll be empowered to develop your skills while contributing to meaningful and high-quality architectural projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project 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 Walker & Sloan, 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 at Walker & Sloan.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Planner
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 Walker & Sloan
✨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!
