Senior Planner

An experienced Senior Planner is required to support the planning and programme controls function on a major rail infrastructure project in Yuen Long, Hong Kong. Reporting to the Project Director and Planning Manager, the role requires strong MTR experience, detailed progress reporting skills, Primavera P6 expertise and a thorough understanding of construction sequencing and programme management.

Project Details

The successful Senior Planner will work on a major rail infrastructure project in the Yuen Long area of Hong Kong.

The Senior Planner will support the preparation, updating, monitoring and control of the project programme, ensuring that construction activities remain aligned with contractual milestones, quality standards and MTR reporting procedures.

The role will be based at the project site and is likely to act as the lead planning representative on site.

The position requires exceptional attention to detail, particularly in relation to programme updates, progress measurement, forecasting, reporting quality and the accurate presentation of project information.

Previous experience working on MTR Corporation projects is particularly important. Candidates should understand MTR procedures, programme requirements, reporting standards and approval processes, and ideally have experience dealing directly with relevant client representatives.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Senior Planner will support the Project Director and Planning Manager in maintaining effective planning, scheduling and programme control across the rail project.

The role will involve close coordination with site management, construction teams, commercial personnel, subcontractors and client representatives.

Key duties will include:

• Prepare, develop and maintain detailed construction programmes using Primavera P6.
• Update the project programme regularly to reflect actual progress, revised sequencing, resource changes and emerging project risks.
• Monitor actual performance against the approved baseline programme and identify delays, constraints and critical path issues.
• Prepare accurate weekly and monthly progress reports for the Project Director, Planning Manager, senior management and the client.
• Maintain a high standard of quality and attention to detail across programme updates, narratives, progress records and supporting reports.
• Support the preparation of programme submissions in accordance with MTR procedures and contractual requirements.
• Liaise with site teams to collect, verify and analyse accurate progress information.
• Review construction methodologies, sequencing and productivity assumptions with construction managers and engineers.
• Prepare short-term, medium-term and look-ahead programmes to support site delivery.
• Produce reliable forecasts for key milestones, sectional completion dates and overall project completion.
• Identify potential programme delays and recommend practical mitigation or recovery measures.
• Support the development and monitoring of recovery programmes where required.
• Assist with delay analysis, time impact assessments and extension of time submissions.
• Maintain accurate planning records to support contractual notices, delay events and programme-related claims.
• Review subcontractor programmes and ensure that they are coordinated with the overall master programme.
• Support resource planning by identifying labour, plant, material and access requirements.
• Attend progress, programme and coordination meetings with project stakeholders.
• Present programme information clearly to project management, commercial teams and client representatives.
• Support the Planning Manager with project risk reviews, change control and programme strategy.
• Provide planning input for procurement, subcontractor coordination and tender activities where required.
• Ensure that Primavera P6 data remains accurate, consistent and auditable.
• Promote continuous improvement in planning systems, reporting processes and programme quality.
• Act as the senior site-based planning representative where the Planning Manager is located in head office or on another project site.

Desired Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will be an experienced Senior Planner with a strong main contractor background and substantial experience in rail, civil engineering or major infrastructure delivery.

MTR project experience is highly important because the role requires familiarity with the client’s procedures, programme requirements, reporting standards and stakeholder expectations.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• At least 10–12 years of construction planning and programme management experience (or equivalent)
• Significant planning experience gained within a main contractor environment.
• A proven track record working on MTR Corporation projects in Hong Kong.
• Strong knowledge of MTR programme submission procedures, reporting requirements and approval processes.
• Experience working on major rail, civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and other relevant planning and reporting tools.
• Experience preparing and maintaining baseline programmes, updated programmes, recovery programmes and look-ahead schedules.
• Strong progress monitoring, forecasting and programme reporting capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate, high-quality planning information.
• Detailed knowledge of construction methodologies, sequencing and critical path analysis.
• Experience supporting delay analysis and extension of time claims.
• Knowledge of time impact analysis, change control and programme risk management.
• Previous experience working under NEC contracts, preferably NEC4.
• An understanding of NEC programme requirements, early warnings, compensation events and accepted programme obligations.
• The ability to identify emerging delays and propose practical mitigation strategies.
• Strong communication, coordination and stakeholder-management skills.
• The confidence to work directly with project directors, site managers, engineers, commercial teams and client representatives.
• The ability to work independently and act as the senior planning contact on site when required.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Cantonese language skills are highly desirable and will be viewed favourably.
• Existing relationships with MTR stakeholders would be advantageous.
• A valid Hong Kong Identity Card and an unrestricted right to work in Hong Kong are essential.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or another relevant construction-related discipline is essential.
• A recognised professional qualification in engineering, construction, planning or project management would be advantageous.
• Relevant Primavera P6 training or professional project controls qualifications would be beneficial.

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is working with a leading main contractor delivering major civil engineering, rail and infrastructure projects in Hong Kong.

The employer has a strong presence in the Hong Kong construction market and provides opportunities for experienced professionals to work on technically demanding, high-value infrastructure schemes. Its project teams operate within complex contractual and client environments where programme certainty, construction quality, safety and detailed reporting are essential.

This Senior Planner position offers the opportunity to take a key planning role on an important rail project and work closely with experienced project, construction, commercial and planning professionals.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Salary and full package details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.