Lead Planner - Tier 1 Main Contractor

Smart 4 EPC; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction contractor is seeking an experienced Lead Planner for a £150m new build project in Suffolk. You will oversee the project planning lifecycle, ensuring accurate sequencing and delivery while collaborating closely with design and operational teams. The ideal candidate has proven experience on major construction projects and is proficient in Primavera P6. A competitive salary and full benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Car allowance

Pension

Bonus

Healthcare

Career development support

Qualifications

• Proficient in Primavera P6 with excellent programme logic and reporting skills.
• Experienced Lead Planner with a strong track record on major construction projects (£50m+).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain a fully resourced, logic-linked programme.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to provide planning visibility.
• Identify programme risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
• Lead progress reporting and present updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Primavera P6

Stakeholder management

Programme logic

Risk management

Education

HNC/Degree in Construction Management or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Lead Planner - £150m New Build | Tier 1 Contractor | Critical Infrastructure

Location: Suffolk
Main Contractor: Tier 1 (UK-wide presence)
Project Type: Critical Infrastructure - New Build Construction
Salary: Competitive + Full Package (Car Allowance, Pension, Bonus, Healthcare)
Start Date: ASAP / Q4 2025

The Opportunity

A Tier 1 main contractor delivering a high-profile £150m new build construction project in Suffolk is seeking an experienced Lead Planner to oversee the full project planning lifecycle.

This is a flagship project with significant complexity, requiring a forward-thinking planner to develop, monitor, and report on programme performance while driving collaboration between operational teams, design, commercial, and supply chain partners.

You'll play a critical role in strategic planning, ensuring accurate sequencing, risk management, and programme delivery in line with client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain a fully resourced, logic-linked programme using Primavera P6
• Collaborate closely with project teams to provide short-, medium-, and long-term planning visibility
• Identify programme risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies
• Challenge and validate subcontractor programmes and integrate them into the master schedule
• Lead progress reporting and present updates to senior management and stakeholders
• Support change management processes, ensuring accurate reflection in the programme
• Work alongside design and engineering teams to align design deliverables with construction sequencing
• Provide coaching and guidance to junior planners and operational teams on planning best practice

Ideal Candidate

• Experienced Lead Planner with a strong track record on major construction projects (£50m+)
• Proficient in Primavera P6 with excellent programme logic and reporting skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to challenge and influence project teams and subcontractors
• Background in complex build environments such as critical infrastructure, healthcare, or large commercial schemes
• Comfortable leading planning strategy for multi-zone, high-value projects
• Qualifications:
  • HNC/Degree in Construction Management or related discipline (preferred)
  • Proficient in Primavera P6 (essential)
  • CSCS (Black or White Card minimum)
  • Membership of APM or CIOB (desirable)

What's On Offer

• Opportunity to lead planning on a flagship £150m new build scheme
• Join a well-established Tier 1 contractor with a strong regional pipeline
• Competitive salary + full benefits package including car allowance, pension, bonus, and healthcare
• Career development and support to progress into senior leadership positions

Apply Now

To apply or request further information, please send your CV and a short covering note to Casey at or call on (phone number removed)