Assistant Planner

OCS Recruitment Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency specializing in infrastructure projects is looking for a motivated Assistant Planner to support project schedules and gain hands-on experience in planning and project management. Responsibilities include developing detailed project programmes, assisting with design tasks, and collaborating with project managers and stakeholders. Ideal candidates are pursuing or have a degree in construction management or civil engineering, possess analytical and communication skills, and are eager to learn. The role offers excellent salary and development opportunities.

Benefits

Excellent salary and package

Training, mentoring, and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Working towards or holding a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field.
• Enthusiasm for construction planning and project management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and exposure to planning/design software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using industry-standard software.
• Assist with preliminary design tasks including sketches and technical drawings.
• Collect and analyze information on timelines, resources, and costs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Degree in construction management or civil engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

The Client

The client delivers complex infrastructure projects across the Northern Home counties. They have expertise in strategic infrastructure, highways and road improvement schemes.

The Role

Our client is seeking a motivated Assistant Planner to join our project delivery team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build their career in planning and project management within the construction and civil engineering sector. You will support senior planners and project managers in developing, maintaining, and monitoring project schedules while gaining hands‑on experience in design, planning, and contractual practices.

Responsibilities

• Create and Maintain Project Schedules: Develop detailed project programmes using industry‑standard software and update them to reflect progress and changes.
• Support Design and Phasing: Assist with preliminary design tasks, including sketches, calculations, and technical drawings using AutoCAD, Revit, or similar tools.
• Data Gathering & Analysis: Collect and analyze information on timelines, resources, and costs to support decision‑making.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient project execution.
• Tender & Bid Support: Contribute to the preparation of tender submissions and bid documents for new projects.
• Progress Monitoring: Track project progress, highlight risks or delays, and propose solutions to keep projects on track.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records and prepare reports to present project status updates to stakeholders.
• Learning & Development: Continuously develop your knowledge of planning tools, construction techniques, and industry best practices.
• Commercial / Contractual Knowledge: Gain experience in contract management, particularly with NEC4 contracts and associated programme implementation.

The Requirements

• Ideally, working towards or holding a degree (or equivalent qualification) in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Enthusiastic about pursuing a career in construction planning and project management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with exposure to planning/design software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, AutoCAD, or Revit) being desirable.
• Analytical with strong problem‑solving skills.
• A clear communicator who enjoys working as part of a team.
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn.

The Benefits

• Receive an excellent salary and package
• Excellent training, mentoring and development opportunities