Construction Planner

Watkin Jones PLC; Chester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or allowance

Discounts on shopping

Contributory pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Flexible working from home

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

Watkin Jones PLC is seeking an experienced Construction Planner to shape delivery across complex projects. You will develop, maintain and manage detailed programmes from RIBA Stage 0 to handover, ensuring safety, efficiency and on-schedule completion.

The role involves close collaboration with Construction Directors and key stakeholders, providing expert planning insight to support strategic decisions and reliable project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing construction programmes from feasibility to handover.
• Ability to integrate Building Safety Act requirements and project milestones into robust schedules.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed construction programmes from feasibility to completion.
• Incorporate regulatory requirements, design development periods, and milestones into schedules.
• Produce tender and pre-construction programmes within tight deadlines.
• Visit sites to monitor progress, identify risks and delay opportunities.
• Provide recommendations to improve project performance and delivery certainty.
• Advise Directors on programme status, resources, and completion forecasts.
• Collaborate with operations, commercial and design teams to ensure schedule alignment.
• Monitor performance and implement recovery strategies where needed.

Skills

Construction planning

Programme management

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Job description

Shape projects from concept to completion. Influence strategy. Drive delivery.

We are seeking an experienced Construction Planner to play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of complex construction projects. Working across the full project lifecycle, from RIBA Stage 0 through to handover, you will develop, maintain and manage detailed construction programmes that ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule.

This is a highly visible position, working closely with Construction Directors and key project stakeholders, providing expert planning insight that supports informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes from initial feasibility through to project completion.
• Integrating Building Safety Act requirements, statutory approvals, design development periods and critical project milestones into robust programme strategies.
• Producing high-quality tender and pre-construction programmes, often within demanding timescales and typically requiring a 48-hour turnaround.
• Undertaking regular site visits to assess progress against programme and identify risks, opportunities and potential delays.
• Challenging assumptions and providing constructive recommendations to enhance project performance and delivery certainty.
• Advising Construction Directors on programme status, resource allocation, commercial implications and completion forecasts.
• Working collaboratively with operational, commercial and design teams to ensure programme accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
• Monitoring programme performance and implementing recovery strategies where required.

We're looking for a highly experienced construction planning professional with a strong understanding of construction methodologies and sequencing across a range of disciplines, including groundworks and infrastructure works, reinforced concrete frame construction, masonry and superstructure works, cladding, and building envelope systems. The successful candidate will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and proven programme management expertise. You'll be confident challenging assumptions, influencing decision‑making, and providing strategic recommendations at senior level, while demonstrating the ability to work under pressure and deliver accurate, robust programmes to demanding deadlines. Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders are essential to success in this role.

Why Join Us?

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Benefits: Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
• Professional Growth:I ndividual support for your career advancement.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), flexible working from home, and discounted gym memberships.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential‑for‑rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in‑build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high‑quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow your career in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. If you’re ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we’d love to hear from you!