Lead Planner

Randstad Cpe London; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Lead Planner for a major rail and infrastructure program in Manchester. The ideal candidate will have experience in planning major infrastructure projects and a strong proficiency in Primavera P6. Responsibilities include developing project schedules, acting as a technical planning expert, and collaborating across teams. This is a 12-month contract with a day rate of £450–£550 outside IR35.

Qualifications

• Proven experience planning major infrastructure projects, ideally in rail or transport.
• Strong understanding of project and programme management principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical planning expert, ensuring consistent use of planning standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules as per planning processes.
• Collaborate with managers to produce resource- and cost-loaded plans.
• Coordinate with planners to ensure alignment across all activities.
• Support bid and tender planning for smooth transitions into live plans.

Skills

Project and programme management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Education

HND/HNC or degree-level qualification (or equivalent)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Job Title: Lead Planner
Location: Manchester
Contract Type: 12-Month Contract
Day Rate: £450–£550 per day (Outside IR35)

We’re seeking an experienced Lead Planner to take a pivotal role within a major rail and infrastructure programme based in Manchester.

The successful candidate will lead project planning and controls across one or more complex projects,

Essential Requirements

• HND/HNC or degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience planning major infrastructure projects — ideally within rail or transport sectors.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6; knowledge of other tools such as MS Project advantageous.
• Strong understanding of project and programme management principles.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical planning expert, ensuring consistent use of planning standards, templates, and procedures.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules in accordance with company planning and project management processes.
• Collaborate with project, commercial, and finance managers to produce resource- and cost-loaded plans.
• Coordinate with site and possession planners to ensure alignment across all project activities.
• Support bid and tender planning, ensuring smooth transition into live contract plans.

If you are looking for an opportunity to join and apply, contact us now. To apply for this position, email your CV to [e-mail]

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