Graduate Planner

Kier Group; Loughton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction firm is seeking a Graduate Planner in Loughton. This permanent, full-time role offers practical experience and skill development in project management, with a starting salary of £30,000. Candidates should be graduating in 2026 or have recently graduated with a degree in Construction Management or related field. The position provides opportunities for career progression upon completion of the 2-year programme.

Benefits

26 days of annual leave

24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Candidates should be graduating in 2026 or have graduated in the last three years.
• Strong interest in construction planning and project management is essential.
• A full UK driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and updating project schedules.
• Utilize project management software for scheduling.
• Review contract and tender documents for planning requirements.

Skills

Interest in construction planning

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or Civil Engineering

Tools

ASTA Powerproject

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Graduate Planner to join our Construction team based in Loughton.

Within this role you can enjoy 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and even more (benefits information: https://jobs.kier.co.uk/benefits/).

We are a leading UK national contractor delivering projects of all sizes and complexities in the public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, defence and justice and borders. We design and deliver buildings that are key to the UK’s infrastructure - from hospitals and treatment centres, to schools, leisure centres and prisons. We operate across regions: London & Southern, Western & Wales, Eastern & Midlands and North & Scotland (more information: https://www.kier.co.uk/who-we-are/our-business-divisions/).

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our structured graduate development programme. These programmes have been designed to provide you with the experiences and tools needed for progression within your chosen career.

Location: Loughton – With flexibility to travel across the region

Starting Salary: £30,000 per annum

Pathway: Permanent, Full-time 2-year programme, leading to assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of circa £38k

Starting date: September 2026

We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

What you will be responsible for

As a Graduate Planner, you'll be working within the London Planning department assisting the many construction teams on our contracts. You will assist in developing, monitoring, and updating project schedules to ensure timely and efficient project delivery. This role is designed for a recent graduate eager to launch a career in construction management.

What will your day-to-day duties include

• Utilising project management software and other tools to create, manage, and communicate schedules on both JCT and NEC contracts.
• Assist with planning operations during tender, contract, and post contract project stages.
• Reviewing contract and tender documents to determine project planning requirements.
• Producing tender programmes, logistics plans and scaffold schedules.
• Producing baseline contract programmes.
• Monitoring and updating project schedules regularly to reflect project progress and any changes.

What are the benefits for you

• Practical experience: gain valuable hands-on experience in your field.
• Skill improvement: develop technical and professional skills.
• Networking: build professional relationships and expand your network.
• Career insight: gain insights into your chosen industry and potential career paths.

What are we looking for

We're looking for people due to graduate in 2026, or have recently graduated within the past three years, with a degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or a related field.

• Strong interest in construction planning and project management.
• Experience of and/or an aptitude to use/learn ASTA Powerproject.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Rewards and benefits

We offer a variety of flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs. See more information of benefits here.

Diversity and inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high priority for us. Our employees shape Kier's diversity and inclusion initiatives, and our people have made a huge impact on how we work by shaping policies. See our D&I action plan here.

It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations we reserve the right to close adverts early.

Recruitment timeline

• October 2025: Initial applications
• November 2025: Application reviews
• January 2026 onwards: Virtual/in-person assessment centres