Construction Planner

Wates Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured training and development

Hands-on exposure to fast-paced constr

Access to planning tools

Mentoring and coaching

Clear career pathway

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Wates Smartspace is offering a development opportunity for aspiring Construction Planners in London. You’ll transition from site-based roles into planning, with hands-on mentoring, structured training and exposure to fast-paced fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you’ll learn to develop programmes, monitor milestones and support project controls using industry-leading planning tools. A proactive, detail‑focused mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Candidates should come from a site-based construction background and want to move into planning.
• Experience in site management, site engineering or project delivery is preferred.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and maintenance of project programmes across multiple fit out and refurbishment projects.
• Working closely with Project Managers, Site Managers and construction teams to understand project requirements and delivery strategies.
• Assisting with programme updates, progress reporting and project controls.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and programme constraints.
• Learning to create detailed project programmes using industry-leading planning software.
• Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with programme development and logistics planning.
• Monitoring project performance against key milestones and delivery targets.
• Participating in project reviews, lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Site management

Site engineering

Project delivery

Programme management

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Willingness to learn

Job description

At Wates Smartspace, we deliver fast-paced fit out, refurbishment and construction projects across a diverse range of sectors. As our project portfolio continues to grow, we're looking to identify talented individuals who are ready to take the next step in their construction career and transition into Construction Planning.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have a background in Site Management, Site Engineering or Project Delivery and are looking to develop specialist planning skills. Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you'll receive hands-on training, mentoring and support to build a successful career as a Construction Planner.

If you've spent time delivering projects on site and have a passion for programme management, sequencing works and driving successful project delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the development and maintenance of project programmes across multiple fit out and refurbishment projects.
• Working closely with Project Managers, Site Managers and construction teams to understand project requirements and delivery strategies.
• Assisting with programme updates, progress reporting and project controls.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and programme constraints.
• Learning to create detailed project programmes using industry-leading planning software.
• Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with programme development and logistics planning.
• Monitoring project performance against key milestones and delivery targets.
• Participating in project reviews, lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

We're particularly interested in candidates who have come from a site-based construction background and want to move into a planning-focused role.

Ideal Experience Includes

• Previous experience as a Site Manager, Assistant Site Manager, Site Engineer or similar construction delivery role.
• Exposure to fit out, refurbishment, commercial, retail, healthcare, education or workplace projects.
• Strong understanding of construction activities, sequencing and project delivery.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.

What We’ll Offer You

This role is designed as a development opportunity, providing a clear pathway into a professional planning career.

You’ll Benefit From

• Structured training and development from experienced Planning professionals.
• Hands-on exposure to a diverse range of fast-paced construction and fit out projects.
• Access to industry-leading planning tools and methodologies.
• Ongoing mentoring and coaching to support your professional growth.
• A clear career pathway within one of the UK's leading construction and fit out businesses.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]