Lead Planner – Construction & Civil Engineering

Location: North London

Employment Type: Contract, Outside IR35

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.

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.
• Proven track record in planning and scheduling large-scale construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in planning software, 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.