Lead Project Planner

JD Ross Energy; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm is seeking an experienced Lead Project Planner to oversee large-scale transmission and subsea cable projects across the UK. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the interconnector and offshore wind sectors, proficient in Primavera P6, and capable of producing high-quality project reports. The role requires collaboration with diverse teams, making this an excellent opportunity for those with strong analytical and leadership skills. The position may involve travel to Glasgow as needed.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Senior/Lead Planner in interconnector projects or offshore wind.
• Proven management of multi-contract, multi-year programmes.
• Experience interfacing with engineering and offshore construction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise project schedules across multiple phases.
• Produce high-quality progress reports and forecasts for clients.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Proficiency in Primavera P6

Understanding of EVM

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Project Planner - Across the UK - HVDC Projects

We are seeking an experienced Lead Project Planner to take a key role in the planning, scheduling, and control of large‑scale transmission and subsea cable projects across the UK and Northern Europe. This role is ideal for someone coming from a major EPC, OEM, or subsea cable competitor, with extensive experience managing complex, multi‑year programmes.

You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining fully integrated project schedules, ensuring accurate forecasting, risk visibility, and performance monitoring across engineering, manufacturing, marine installation, and construction phases.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, maintain, and optimise detailed project schedules covering engineering, procurement, manufacturing, offshore installation, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Lead the creation of baseline schedules and ensure alignment with contractual requirements.
• Regularly update project timelines, milestones, and progress metrics using industry‑standard planning tools (e.g., Primavera P6).
• Work closely with engineering, project management, logistics, marine, commercial, and HSE teams to ensure schedule coherence and accuracy.

Progress Tracking & Reporting

• Produce high‑quality internal and client‑facing progress reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Monitor critical path, key risks, opportunities, and schedule deviations.
• Recommend mitigation strategies and recovery plans to maintain schedule integrity.
• Support the development of schedule‑related risk assessments and scenario simulations.
• Assess impacts of design changes, variations, and delays.
• Ensure effective incorporation of change management workflows into the schedule.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, marine operations, and project controls.
• Provide leadership, direction, and mentoring to junior planners.
• Support senior project leadership in client presentations, contract updates, and strategic planning discussions.

Process Development

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes, templates, and reporting standards.
• Ensure best‑practice methodologies are implemented across multiple projects.

Required Experience

Technical Background

• Extensive experience as a Senior/Lead Planner within:
• Interconnector projects
• Offshore wind export systems
• Large‑scale transmission or grid infrastructure
• Marine installation or heavy engineering sectors

Core Skills

• Expert proficiency in Primavera P6.
• Strong understanding of EVM (Earned Value Management).
• Proven ability to manage planning for multi‑contract, multi‑year programmes.
• Experience interfacing with engineering, supply chain, and offshore construction operations.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Profile

• Ideally coming from a major competitor in subsea cables, EPC contracting, HVDC systems, or offshore energy infrastructure.
• Experience in the UK market is highly desirable.
• Able to work on‑site in Glasgow or travel periodically as needed.

Personal Attributes

• Structured thinker capable of balancing technical detail with strategic vision.
• Able to challenge constructively and influence at all levels.
• Comfortable in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving project environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a collaborative approach.