Assistant Planner Construction

Howells Solutions Limited; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Howells Solutions Limited in Cardiff is seeking an Assistant Planner - Construction to join a hybrid-working team. You will support preconstruction and planning activities, helping to deliver realistic programmes on time and within the customer requirements while liaising with internal teams.

The role requires main contracting construction experience, a CSCS card, and a minimum Level 4 qualification. Training will be provided with exposure to diverse projects across sectors.

Qualifications

• Main contracting construction experience is essential.
• Open to people from different construction job roles looking to transition into planning – assistant level training available.
• Able to interpret drawings, specifications and construction information.
• Understanding of construction technology and methods including steel, concrete and timber frames.
• CSCS card is required.
• Minimum Level 4 qualification (HNC/NVQ4) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist in completing the planning process.
• Assist in preparing planning information for tender adjudication.
• Assist in preparing preconstruction and construction programmes that are auditable and based on outputs/sequences or via liaison with supply chain.
• Assist in monitoring programmes regularly and inform the tender team of progress.
• Advise tender team on programme and logistics effects of design changes.
• Assist in producing site logistics plans showing robust planning.
• Support site teams with programme management where appropriate.
• Seek opportunities for alternative construction methods, including MMC and value engineering.

Skills

Interpret drawings

Construction knowledge

Planning experience

Team collaboration

Education

Minimum Level 4 qualification (HNC/NVQ4)

Tools

Asta PowerProject

Job description

Assistant Planner - Construction
Cardiff | Hybrid Working | Competitive Salary + Benefits

We are partnering with one of the UK's leading privately-owned Construction and Interiors businesses to recruit a Preconstruction Surveyor / Estimator to support projects across the region

With more than 170 years of industry heritage, our client is recognised as one of the UK's top employers, delivering sustainable, community-focused projects across both the public and private sectors. Known for innovation, flexible working, and a people-first culture, they continue to shape environments that create a lasting positive impact.

This will be a hybrid role which will require a presence in our Cardiff office and at home. This position will involve assisting the planning and preconstruction teams to produce realistic, de-risked programmes, on time and to the highest quality. The Assistant Planner will ensure that we provide an accurate programme in line with the customer's requirements, project scope, and current legislation.

Projects typically range from £10m to £150m+ across sectors including: Education, Healthcare, Residential, Commercial, Leisure, Blue Light, No two projects are the same.

Assistant Planner Key Responsibilities

• Assisting in completing the planning process.
• Assisting in the preparation of planning information for the tender adjudication.
• Assisting in the preparation of preconstruction and construction programmes that are auditable and based upon known outputs and sequences or have been informed by liaison with our supply chain.
• Assisting in the monitoring of programmes regularly and advise the tender bid team of the progress position.
• Advising the tender bid team of the programme and the logistical effect of any design change.
• Assisting in the production of site logistics plans that are clear and understandable and demonstrate that a thorough and robust approach to planning has been adopted.
• Supporting the site teams with programme management, where appropriate.
• Actively seeking opportunities for alternative construction methods, including MMC, innovation and value engineering, and share these with the tender team.

What We're Looking For

• All levels and backgrounds considered but main contracting construction experience is essential.
• Open to people from different construction job roles looking to transition into planning - assistant level site/project/construction management etc. Full training and development support would be offered.
• Be able to interpret drawings, specifications, and other construction information.
• An understanding of construction technology and methods including steel structures, concrete frames, timber frames etc.
• Appropriate CSCS card.
• Minimum relevant level 4 qualification (HNC/NVQ4 etc).

Desirable Criteria

• Experience producing logistic plans and methodologies.
• Some experience of accurate programming and sequencing from outputs.
• Have a good understanding of site requirements in respect of setting up, preliminaries and temporary works.
• Onsite and preconstruction planning experience and be able to produce accurate programmes using Asta Power Project.
• Experience with NEC and JCT contract types.

If you're looking to play a key role in delivering safe, compliant, and innovative construction projects across the Midlands, we'd love to hear from you.