Lead Planner

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global rail automation company based in York is seeking a Lead Planner for a 12-month contract. This role involves leading project planning for major infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to planning standards, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should possess a degree or equivalent experience, proficiency in Primavera (P6), and strong analytical skills. The position offers an opportunity to work within a reputable firm committed to diversity and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Experience planning major infrastructure projects, ideally in the rail or transportation sectors.
• Familiarity with working across project and program management teams.
• Strong self-motivation and proactive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project planning and control efforts on major projects.
• Ensure consistent application of planning standards and procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure accurate project schedules.

Skills

Project planning

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree, HND, HNC, or equivalent

Tools

Primavera (P6)

MS Project

Job description

Role: Lead Planner

Location: York

12 Months Contract

Outside IR35

Job Description: Lead Planner

Overview
A global rail automation company supplies railway markets with solutions and turnkey installations for railway automation and telecommunication. Customers include infrastructure operators, mainline railways, industrial railways, and public transport authorities in urban environments. The company's products and systems support the automation of operational management processes, contributing to improved efficiency and mobility.

The Role
As a key member of the planning function, you will lead the project planning and control efforts on a major project or oversee several smaller projects. You'll support project and senior project managers in the successful planning and control of project delivery and contribute to business-wide planning activities.

As a Lead Planner, you'll bring your experience and expertise to lead improvement initiatives, promote best practices, and mentor junior planning staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical planning expert, ensuring consistent application of planning standards, procedures, templates, and guidance.
• Develop and maintain project plans in line with organisational planning and project management procedures.
• Collaborate with project, commercial, and finance managers to ensure project schedules are accurate, resource- and cost-loaded.
• Coordinate with site and possession planners to align activities with the master schedule.
• Work with the bids and tendering team to develop tender plans and ensure smooth transition into contract planning.
• Build strong working relationships with client representatives and collaborate to identify efficient planning and control solutions.
• Perform critical path analysis, identifying potential risks and areas of concern.
• Support internal and external reporting requirements by delivering KPI, earned value, delay, and critical path reports.
• Conduct scenario modelling and analysis to assess potential project changes, including risk, cost, resource, and schedule impacts.
• Promote continuous improvement and best practices in planning and controls across the organisation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree, HND, HNC, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience planning major infrastructure projects, ideally in the rail or transportation sectors.
• Familiarity with working across project and program management teams, both internally and with clients.
• Advanced knowledge of Primavera (P6) and working knowledge of other planning tools like MS Project.
• Strong self-motivation, interpersonal, and communication skills with a proactive and assertive approach.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable

• Technical, engineering, or business background with an understanding of railway signalling preferred.
• Experience with formal project management methodologies such as PRINCE2.

Rullion supports applications from a diverse talent pool. We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility requirements. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to enable you to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 926 1715

RBoniface

Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.

Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.