Lead Planner - SC Cleared - Derby

CMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CMR is seeking an experienced Lead Planner (SC Cleared) to join our Derby-based, hybrid team on a full-time basis. You will develop robust construction schedule estimates, integrate with Cost and Risk teams, and work with procurement interfaces to ensure aligned planning and delivery.

Knowledge of Primavera P6, NEC/FIDIC contracts, and strong stakeholder communication are essential. Immediate start with a dynamic, award-winning project controls consultancy.

Qualifications

• Experience in a construction or infrastructure environment.
• Solid scheduling expertise with Primavera P6.
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to build schedules from first principles and review supplier submissions.
• Understanding of schedule hierarchy, integration, and change control.
• Familiarity with NEC or FIDIC contracts.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop the schedule estimates for construction works ensuring they are robust, realistic and defensible.
• Define the Basis of Estimate for the construction schedule scope (including key assumptions and exclusions).
• Close integration with Cost and Risk Management teams to ensure alignment of estimates and assumptions.
• Work with the Risk team to support the QSRA process.
• Identify and manage key interfaces including procurement, consents, dependent projects.
• Work with stakeholders to secure buy-in to the Programme’s construction schedule.
• Ensure schedule estimates are validated through benchmark data and design information (BIM).

Skills

Primavera P6

Schedule development

MS Office

NEC/FIDIC contracts

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Education

Degree in construction/engineering

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Position: Lead Planner (SC Cleared)

Location: Hybrid / Derby

Type: Full-time

Start Date: Immediate

Salary: Competitive

We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Planner to join our dynamic award winning team who has experience in the construction industry, knowledge of project management and project controls to help support our expansion across the UK. Our team is multi-disciplinary so a wide range of experience and/or willingness to learn is crucial.

About us: CMR is an award winning project controls consultancy that is first and foremost a team of people, passionate about the construction industry and changing the way project controls is provided. Our approach and culture have been recognised globally, with CMR named Global Project Controls Small Business of the Year 2025 (Project Controls Expo UK Awards) and one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in 2026 (Great Place to Work)

Our Purpose (Why we exist): Inspiring new ways to help shape our construction industry.

Our Ambition (What we want to achieve): Re-imagine project controls through a digital lens, being the obvious choice for clients and the place to grow together with intention.

What’s in it for you?

• At CMR you will have the opportunity to professionally develop like nowhere you have worked before.

• If you demonstrate the capability, our merit based system will enable you to develop fast.

• We use our in-house capability matrix to transparently track your progression and highlight development areas.

• Join our small, dynamic team where every member has the chance to make a significant impact, shaping the future direction of our company and making a real difference.

• We believe in rewarding our team for their achievements, celebrating our successes but equally helping each other when things are tough.

You’ll

• Develop the schedule estimates for construction works ensuring they are robust, realistic and defensible.

• Define the Basis of Estimate for the construction schedule scope (including key assumptions and exclusions)

• Close integration with both the Cost and Risk Management teams to ensure alignment of all estimates and assumptions

• Work with the Risk team to support the QSRA process

• Identify and manage key internal and external interfaces including, procurement, consents, dependent projects, etc

• Work closely with key internal/external stakeholders ensuring buy-in to the Programme’s construction schedule

• Ensure schedule estimates are validated through the use of benchmark data, and design information (BIM)

Essential

• Experience in a construction or infrastructure environment.

• Solid scheduling expertise, including Primavera P6.

• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Confidence building schedules from first principles and reviewing supplier submissions.

• Understanding of schedule hierarchy, integration, and change control.

• Familiarity with NEC or FIDIC contracts.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a collaborative mindset.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, project management, or related field.

• Knowledge of QSRA, design processes, and CDM.

• Experience in stakeholder management.

• Membership of APM, AACE, PMI or similar (with certifications).

• Experience using Power BI and other reporting/analytics tools.

At CMR we have a strong culture driven by our 9 Core Principles. We look to build a community of people that share our values and ambitions. We’re proud that 96% of our team say CMR is a “Great Place to Work” a reflection of our supportive culture, focus on people, and drive to do things differently.

Learn more here: https://cmr.london/who-we-are/

Requirements and Location:

• Prior SC clearance is required

• Derby / Hybrid working: 2 days a week on site

CMR welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. CMR is Disability Confident Committed and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.