At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage construction programmes for exciting interior projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated employer with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 6-month fixed-term contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in construction while collaborating with diverse teams on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning within interiors and refurbishment, with strong communication skills.
We're looking for a Planner to join our WD Interiors team, based out of our London office at Old Bailey, with hybrid working available (three days office or site-based, two days remote). Working closely with preconstruction and site teams, you'll be responsible for producing realistic, well-sequenced and de-risked programmes across fast-paced interiors, refurbishment and structural alteration projects, typically ranging from £8m to £40m+. You'll support schemes from tender stage through to live delivery, ensuring programmes are accurate, clearly communicated and aligned with customer requirements, logistics constraints and contractual obligations. This role is ideal for an experienced Planner who understands the full interiors construction lifecycle, thrives in a high-energy environment, and enjoys collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Scheduling & Preconstruction: Produce robust, evidence-based tender programmes that support competitive and deliverable bids. Develop informed bid preparation programmes, ensuring key activities are based on known outputs and supply chain input. Prepare planning reports, programme narratives, commentaries and method statements that clearly articulate construction approach and sequencing. Work closely with estimating and operational teams to support prelims development and bid strategy. Actively contribute to tender presentations and customer meetings where required.
- Live Project Planning & Delivery: Develop fully logic-linked, coded construction programmes from first principles. Track and manage programme progress on live projects, working closely with site teams to ensure weekly updates are accurate and meaningful. Advise project teams on the programme and logistical impact of design changes or emerging risks. Produce clear, practical site logistics plans that demonstrate a robust and safe approach to delivery.
- Collaboration & Innovation: Work collaboratively with preconstruction, site teams and the supply chain to develop achievable programmes. Identify opportunities for alternative construction methods, innovation, MMC and value engineering, sharing these with the wider team. Ensure programmes align with sustainability objectives and best practice.
Essential Skills
- Proven experience as a Senior Planner OR Planner within the interiors, refurbishment, fit-out or cut & carve sector.
- Strong understanding of the full construction project lifecycle, from tender through to completion.
- Experience planning fast-paced refurbishment and structural alteration projects.
- Proficiency in ASTA Powerproject (mandatory).
- Experience producing programmes for both tender and live projects.
- Working knowledge of JCT and NEC forms of contract.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
Desirable Skills
- MEP / Building Services planning exposure (highly advantageous).
- Experience using Primavera P6 and/or Nialli (training available).
- Degree, HND, Level 5 construction qualification or time-served trade background with proven planning experience.
- Eligibility for SC-level Security Clearance (beneficial for some projects).
About Us
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Planner in London employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our Fit Out team provides opportunities to influence high-quality bids while working alongside industry leaders. Our recognition as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For and our focus on sustainability make us a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner in London
✨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 Willmott Dixon Group.
✨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 Willmott Dixon Group appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner in London
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 Willmott Dixon Group 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 Willmott Dixon Group 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 Willmott Dixon Group
✨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.
