Lead Planner – Construction & Civil Engineering

Location: North London

Employment Type: Permanent

Sector: Civil Engineering/Construction

Overview

H9 Talent Solutions are recruiting for an experienced Lead Planner to join a leading civil engineering and construction contractor. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping, managing, and delivering project planning strategies across tender, pre-construction, and live construction phases.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to produce accurate, robust, and deliverable programmes that ensure projects are delivered on time, safely, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the planning function on selected projects, producing well-structured methodologies and programmes for pre-construction and construction stages.
• Develop, review, and maintain detailed project schedules and deliverables, including planning philosophies, reports, and presentations.
• Identify planning scope, risks, constraints, and contract requirements, ensuring they are integrated into programmes.
• Establish and analyse critical paths, advising the wider team on potential issues and mitigation strategies.
• Apply resource planning and levelling techniques to optimise project delivery.
• Present project programmes at both high-level and detailed stages as required.
• Ensure compliance with building contract requirements regarding programme submission and updates.
• Provide periodic programme updates, forecasts, and reports to support project delivery and client reporting.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, utility providers, local authorities, and design consultants to incorporate their requirements into project schedules.
• Support the project team during contract execution by monitoring progress, reporting on critical issues, and advising on corrective actions.
• Ensure planning activities support commercial objectives and deliver real value to projects.
• Promote high standards of quality, safety, and compliance across all planning activities.

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong background in Civil Engineering, Groundworks, or Structural projects, with operational site experience (e.g. Site Engineer or Site Agent).
• Proven track record in planning and scheduling large-scale construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in planning software, ideally Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject.
• Good knowledge of forms of tender and contract documentation, particularly NEC and JCT contracts.
• Familiarity with risk and opportunity management in relation to planning and programming.
• Solid understanding of construction methodologies, plant, equipment, and labour requirements.

Qualifications

• Relevant technical or construction qualifications (HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience working in senior planning positions within the construction industry.