Construction Planner

Watkin Jones Group; Highgate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK developer is seeking a Construction Planner to manage critical project programmes, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure timely delivery of projects. The ideal candidate has experience in construction planning, proficiency in ASTA software, and a detail-oriented approach to problem-solving. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work on significant projects in the built environment.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Agile working arrangements

Discounted gym memberships

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction planning, ideally within PBSA, BTR, or similar sectors.
• Ability to coordinate with site teams, project managers, engineers, and architects.
• Experience in generating progress reports and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage critical project programmes.
• Create detailed, logic-linked critical path programmes.
• Ensure resources are allocated effectively.

Skills

Construction planning experience

Proficiency in ASTA software

Critical path analysis

Strong communication

Problem-solving mindset

Attention to detail

Job description

Are you a construction professional with a passion for precision planning and delivering high-profile projects on time and within budget? If you thrive on solving complex challenges and ensuring seamless project execution, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

The role

As a Construction Planner, you’ll be at the heart of our project success working closely with Operations Directors to develop and manage critical project programmes. You’ll create and maintain detailed, logic-linked critical path programmes, method statements, and logistics plans from bid stage through to completion. Your ability to coordinate seamlessly with site teams, project managers, engineers, and architects will ensure projects run smoothly and align with key objectives. By generating insightful progress reports, forecasts, and mitigation strategies, you’ll provide the data‑driven oversight needed to keep everything on track. With a proactive approach to risk management, you’ll identify potential challenges early and implement effective solutions to maintain timelines and budgets. Additionally, working closely with the Costing team, you’ll ensure resources are allocated effectively, optimising time and expenditure for maximum efficiency.

Depending on your location, this role would be office based (Chester) or home based with nationwide travel to site as required.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with proven experience in construction planning, ideally within PBSA, BTR, or similar sectors. Proficiency in ASTA construction project management software and a deep understanding of critical path analysis will be essential. You should be a strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to drive project success. A problem‑solving mindset is key, with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement swift solutions to avoid delays. Attention to detail is crucial, ensuring meticulous planning and documentation that leaves nothing to chance.

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.

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

• Work‑Life Balance : 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing : Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform is available.
• Rewards : Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Benefits : Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high‑impact role within a forward‑thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.