Lead Planner

Urban Connect; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Connect is seeking a Lead Planner for a major new-build hospital project. The role focuses on leading the planning, programming and monitoring to ensure milestones are met and project delivery aligns with contractual requirements.

You will develop detailed construction programmes across design, procurement, enabling works and civil engineering, coordinating with project directors, engineers and suppliers to deliver an integrated sequence. Strong NEC/contract awareness is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Senior/Lead Planner with major construction or civil engineering experience.
• Experience developing and managing complex multidisciplinary programmes.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing and interfaces.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 for baselines, critical paths and progress updates.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and maintenance of the overall project programme.
• Coordinate with project directors, engineering teams and subcontractors.
• Monitor progress, identify critical path activities and potential delays.
• Prepare regular updates, look-ahead programmes and management information.
• Support programme risk management and change management processes.

Skills

Primavera P6

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Opportunity: Lead Planner

Major New-Build Hospital Project Civil Engineering & Construction

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Lead Planner to join a leading multinational contractor on a major new-build hospital project. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of a complex, large-scale healthcare development, working within a high-performing project team on a landmark construction scheme.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in the planning, programming and monitoring of the project, ensuring that construction activities are effectively coordinated, key milestones are achieved, and project delivery remains aligned with contractual and programme requirements.

This role would suit an experienced construction planning professional with a strong civil engineering background and experience delivering major infrastructure, healthcare or complex building projects.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development, management and maintenance of the overall project programme, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations, project objectives and delivery milestones.

Develop and manage detailed construction programmes, including design, procurement, enabling works, civil engineering, structural works and subsequent construction phases.

Work closely with project directors, construction managers, engineering teams, subcontractors and commercial teams to ensure effective programme integration and coordination.

Monitor progress against the baseline programme, identify critical path activities and proactively highlight potential delays, risks and opportunities.

Prepare regular programme updates, progress reports, look-ahead programmes and management information to support informed decision-making.

Undertake programme analysis, critical path assessments, delay analysis and scenario planning, developing mitigation and recovery strategies where required.

Coordinate planning inputs from multiple disciplines and subcontractors to ensure an integrated and deliverable construction sequence.

Support the management of change, variations, extensions of time and associated programme impacts.

Attend and lead planning meetings, progress reviews and programme workshops with internal and external stakeholders.

Ensure planning processes, reporting standards and programme controls are consistently applied across the project.

Provide leadership, guidance and technical support to the wider planning team, promoting best practice in construction planning and project controls.

Maintain strong communication with the client, consultants and supply chain to ensure programme risks and interfaces are effectively managed.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience in a Senior Planner or Lead Planner position within a major construction or civil engineering environment.

Demonstrable experience developing and managing complex, multidisciplinary construction programmes.

Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, temporary works, logistics and project interfaces.

Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, with experience managing baselines, critical paths, progress updates and programme analysis.

Experience working on major building, healthcare, infrastructure or other complex construction projects.

Strong knowledge of programme risk management, progress reporting and delay mitigation.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage with senior project leadership and client representatives.

A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach to programme management.

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline is desirable.

Desirable Experience

Experience delivering major hospital or healthcare developments.

Exposure to large-scale, multidisciplinary projects involving complex structural, civil engineering, building services and specialist systems interfaces.

Experience working for a tier-one or multinational main contractor.

Knowledge of NEC and/or other major construction contract forms.

Relevant professional membership or qualifications in planning, project controls or construction.

What's on Offer?

The opportunity to join a leading multinational contractor on a high-profile hospital development.

Involvement in a major, technically challenging construction project.

A collaborative environment working alongside experienced construction and engineering professionals.

The opportunity to influence programme strategy, project delivery and key construction milestones.

A competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.

If you are an experienced construction planner looking to take a lead role on a major new-build hospital project, we would welcome a confidential discussion.