Planner - Assistant or Intermediate level

Randstad Construction and Property; Reading; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Company car

Competitive pension scheme

Healthcare options

Job summary

Randstad CPE is seeking an ambitious Assistant Planner to join our Reading-based team on regional construction projects. You will work with Senior Planners and Project Managers to support planning, scheduling and delivery.

The role offers hands-on exposure to pre-construction tender stages and live site delivery, with training and clear progression toward Planner roles.

Qualifications

• A degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience or strong knowledge of planning software (Asta Powerproject highly desirable; Primavera P6 or MS Project welcome).
• 1–3 years of experience in UK main contracting (Junior/Assistant Planner or related role).

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating and updating baseline construction programs using Asta Powerproject.
• Regularly visit project sites to track progress, update schedules and identify delays early.
• Collaborate with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Subcontractors to align short‑term look‑ahead programs with the master plan.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports for internal management and client updates.
• Support the pre‑construction team with logistic plans, phasing and initial program drafts.
• Help analyze program variations and impact assessments when project changes occur.

Skills

Planning software

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management

Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Assistant Planner

Location: Reading & Surrounding Regional Projects

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About The Company

As one of the UK's largest privately‑owned construction and development groups they have built a reputation over more than 90 years for delivery excellence, quality, and strong family values.

The Southern region continues to secure flagship projects across the Commercial, Industrial, Education and Residential sectors. They are looking for an ambitious and detail‑oriented Assistant Planner to join the team in Reading.

The Role

Working alongside our experienced Senior Planners and Project Managers, you will play a key role in the planning, scheduling, and overall delivery of dynamic construction projects across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your career with a tier‑one contractor, gaining hands‑on exposure to both pre‑construction tender stages and live on‑site delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development: Assist in creating and updating baseline construction programs using Asta Powerproject.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly visit project sites to track progress, update schedules and identify potential delays or risk factors early.
• Site Team Collaboration: Work closely with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Subcontractors to ensure short‑term look‑ahead programs align with the master plan.
• Reporting: Prepare clear, concise weekly and monthly progress reports for internal management and client updates.
• Tender & Pre‑Construction: Support the pre‑construction team with logistic plans, phasing and initial program draft schedules.
• Delay Analysis: Help analyze program variations and impact assessments when project changes occur.

What They Are Looking For

• Education: A degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Software Skills: Experience or strong knowledge of planning software (Asta Powerproject is highly desirable; Primavera P6 or MS Project welcome).
• Industry Experience: 1‑3 years of experience in UK main contracting (either as a Junior/Assistant Planner, Graduate Engineer or Site Engineer looking to transition into planning).
• Mindset & Communication: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and confident communication skills to liaise with clients and site teams.
• Travel: Must hold a full UK driving licence; site visits across the region will be required.
• Lane Change: If you are an experienced Site Manager or Setting Out Engineer and enjoy the technical details but not the day‑to‑day on‑site routine this could be the transition you have been looking for.

What They Offer

• Competitive Salary: Negotiable based on experience.
• Package: Car allowance, company car, competitive pension scheme and health care options.
• Career Development: Structured training, mentorship from senior planners and clear progression routes to Planner and Senior Planner.
• Work Culture: A supportive, family‑owned culture where your contribution is recognised and valued.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.