Senior Planner

A Senior Planner with strong Primavera P6 and NEC contract experience is required by an established infrastructure consultancy in Cardiff. The successful candidate will manage complex programmes, undertake progress and delay analysis, advise clients, produce high-quality reports and mentor junior planning professionals.

Project Details

The Senior Planner will manage planning and project controls activities on complex construction and infrastructure commissions in Cardiff and across South Wales.

Responsibilities will cover baseline programme development, progress monitoring, risk integration, critical path analysis, delay assessment, tender planning and NEC contractual programme compliance.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Senior Planner will take responsibility for project-level planning activities and provide informed programme advice to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

Key duties will include:

• Leading the preparation of baseline programmes for complex, multi-phase projects
• Developing detailed programmes using Primavera P6
• Applying resource loading, earned value management and schedule integrity techniques
• Undertaking programme quality checks using recognised scheduling principles and tools
• Leading progress monitoring, trend analysis and programme updates
• Developing mitigation, recovery and acceleration programmes where required
• Analysing critical and near-critical paths and identifying emerging programme risks
• Undertaking prospective and retrospective delay analysis where required
• Applying appropriate delay-analysis methods in accordance with contractual requirements and recognised industry protocols
• Advising project teams on schedule risks, opportunities and proposed mitigation measures
• Ensuring programme risks are tracked and communicated effectively
• Producing tailored project reports, schedule narratives and performance dashboards
• Presenting programme findings and planning advice to clients and senior stakeholders
• Working closely with Project Managers, commercial teams, designers and contractors
• Reviewing NEC contract requirements and advising on programme compliance
• Supporting early warning, change, compensation event and claims processes
• Reviewing contractor and subcontractor programmes for logic, compliance and deliverability
• Leading pre-construction and tender programme development
• Advising on construction sequencing, methodology and buildability
• Championing planning best practice and governance across project commissions
• Mentoring junior Planners and supporting their technical and professional development
• Identifying opportunities to improve planning systems, reporting and project performance

Desired Skills and Experience

The successful Senior Planner will be an experienced construction planning professional capable of managing complex assignments and providing confident advice to clients.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Significant experience as a Planner, Senior Planner or Planning Engineer
• Advanced practical experience using Primavera P6
• Strong experience developing and managing complex construction programmes
• Detailed knowledge of critical path methodology and schedule integrity principles
• Experience with resource loading, earned value management and programme risk analysis
• Strong NEC contract knowledge and programme administration experience
• Experience reviewing contractual programme obligations and submissions
• Knowledge of early warnings, compensation events and construction claims processes
• Experience undertaking prospective or retrospective delay analysis
• Familiarity with recognised delay-analysis protocols and methodologies
• Experience producing bespoke planning reports and dashboards
• Strong client-facing, presentation and stakeholder-management skills
• The ability to advise project teams on mitigation, recovery and programme improvement
• Experience reviewing contractor programmes and advising on compliance
• Previous experience mentoring junior planning professionals
• Consultancy experience is desirable, although suitable contractor-side candidates will also be considered

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management or another relevant discipline is expected
• Advanced Primavera P6 knowledge and practical experience are required
• Extensive NEC contract knowledge and experience are required
• Membership of APM, CIOB, ICE or another relevant professional body is desirable
• Additional qualifications in delay analysis, project controls or construction law would be advantageous

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is working with an established infrastructure consultancy seeking a Senior Planner for its Cardiff team. The consultancy provides planning, programming, project controls and contract advisory services to clients delivering complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Its services include baseline programme development, progress monitoring, risk integration, delay analysis, tender planning and NEC programme compliance. The Senior Planner will join a collaborative team with opportunities to manage client relationships, lead project assignments and mentor less experienced planning professionals.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Hybrid working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Generous annual pay rises