Planner

Fawkes and Reece; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor seeks a Pre-construction Planner to drive tender planning efforts and enhance project delivery. The role involves developing competitive tender programmes in collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with contracts while delivering optimal solutions. Candidates should possess significant civil engineering experience and relevant industry qualifications, along with strong project management capabilities.

Benefits

Hybrid working - WFH 2 days per week

Pension: 6.5% employer contribution

BUPA optional scheme

Company sick pay scheme: Up to 20 days full pay

Enhanced Paid Family Leave

Comprehensive health and well-being strategy

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Over 5 years experience in a civil engineering environment.
• Experience in a preconstruction/tendering team required.
• Knowledge of highway, structure, and public realm projects mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead tender planning and programming activities.
• Produce NEC compliant tender programmes.
• Develop project methodology and guidance for the bid team.

Skills

Communication

Decision Making

Time Management

Problem Solving

Research and Appraisal

Motivating People

Education

Degree or HND in relevant field

Tools

ASTA Powerproject

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Reference: PCP_EW_349994_1749547854
Posted: June 10, 2025

Large regional main contractor with over £230 million turnover that has specialised in delivering vital infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, structures, hydropower, and rail for more than 25 years. With our commitment to quality, professionalism, safety and integrity, we have delivered a comprehensive range of projects for a diverse range of public and private sector clients.

About the role of Pre-construction Planner

Lead the development and undertaking of the tender planning / programming activity within the pre-construction team to enhance our ability to secure works and to establish project controls and internal reporting from the tender stage. Ensure tender stage project delivery programmes are fully developed and contractually compliant. Produce programmes which are optimised in terms of resources and risk and opportunity, to ensure we submit our best value and optimised tender. Contribute to the overall tender process and individual bids to maximise success.

The role will involve close liaison with Preconstruction & Project Teams, plus occasional liaison with Client and Supply Chain as necessary.

Responsibilities for Pre-construction Planner

• Analyse Tender documents and identify required programme/planning responses and information which will inform the programme.
• Develop methodology approach to project and provide guidance to the bid team
• Produce tender stage programmes working alongside the estimators, with a focus on ensuring we submit our most competitive offer.
• Define alongside the wider bid team a work Breakdown Structure/Cost Breakdown Structure, which aligns with internal best practice and client's requirements.
• Programmes are to be NEC compliant and include TRA, Float, Resources and associated Histograms, Critical Path, Costs (when applicable), etc.
• Present tender programme to team of Directors as part of tender settlement meeting.
• Develop winning work program strategies for tenders, considering risks and opportunities and input into R&O register.
• Produce high scoring, written quality responses and narratives, which accompany tender programmes.
• Contribute to discussion on the optimal phasing, approach and methodology of works on site.
• Align tender programmes to current operational programme requirements and incorporate feedback from operation teams into future tenders.
• Review tender programmes produced by other members of the Preconstruction Team.
• Review post-tender performance of tenders with the Preconstruction Team and incorporate lessons learned
• Review post-contract performance of projects with the Project Team and incorporate lessons learned
• Pursue personal development of skills and knowledge necessary for the effective performance of the role.
• Comply with Company rules, policies and procedures at all times.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks which may be required from time to time and to enable the company to remain adaptable to changing markets and needs.

Requirements for Pre-construction Planner

• Appropriate industry qualification, e.g. Degree or HND.
• Industry background and experience working as a planner - ideally in excess of 5 years experience in a civil engineering environment, with demonstrable experience in a preconstruction/tendering team.
• Essential to have worked in preconstruction/tender environment (no pre-construction experience will be unsuccessful)
• Knowledge of highway & structure and public realm types of projects is mandatory and preferable is experience in industrial, energy, clean/wastewater and waste type projects.
• Appropriate IT skills including the use of company software packages. (ASTA Powerproject mandatory, Primvera P6 and Microsoft Project preferred)
• Understanding and appreciation of the requirements on NEC3 / 4 Contracts and the importance of programme to management of the project as a whole, including timescales for action.
• Civil engineering and construction method knowledge, with the ability to research and appraise viability of alternatives.
• Solid understanding of the design process, procurement routes and processes.
• Clear, concise oral and written communications, internally and externally.
• Ability to quickly digest information.
• Ability to motivate and influence people.
• Time management skills and ability to work to deadlines.
• Decision making and problem solving within extent of personal responsibility.

What we offer for Pre-construction Planner

• Hybrid working - WFH 2 days per week
• Exceptional additional benefits package:
• Pension: 6.5% employer contribution of your salary
• BUPA: optional scheme and can include your family
• Company sick pay scheme: Up to 20 days full pay
• Enhanced Paid Family Leave - maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, compassion, bereavement, crisis, emergency dependants, and much more
• A comprehensive health and well being strategy focused on physical, emotional, financial and career well being
• Fantastic Progression, support, and development opportunities

If you would like to learn more about this Pre-construction planner position, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV and full contact details.