Planner - Assistant or Intermediate level

Construction, Property and Engineering; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance / company car

Pension scheme

Healthcare options

Job summary

Randstad CPE is recruiting an Assistant Planner for Reading and surrounding regional projects. You will work alongside Senior Planners and Project Managers on planning, scheduling, and delivery across Commercial, Industrial, Education, and Residential sectors.

Key duties include developing programs with Asta Powerproject, monitoring progress on-site, and coordinating with site teams to align with master plans. A UK driving license is required for site visits across the region.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong foundational knowledge of planning software (Asta Powerproject highly desirable; Primavera P6 or MS Project welcome).
• 1–3 years of UK main contracting experience (Junior/Assistant Planner, Graduate Engineer, or similar).
• Strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and confident communication with clients and site teams.
• Full UK driving license; travel across the region will be required.
• Lane Change: opportunity to move from Site Manager or Setting Out Engineer to planning.

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 delays or risks early.
• Site Team Collaboration: Work with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Subcontractors to align short-term look-ahead with the master plan.
• Reporting: Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports for management and clients.
• Tender & Pre-Construction: Support pre-construction with logistic plans, phasing, and initial program drafts.
• Delay Analysis: Help analyze program variations and impact assessments when changes occur.

Skills

Asta Powerproject

Primavera P6

MS Project

Education

Degree in Construction Management / Civil Engineering

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 detailed‑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: Previous experience or a strong foundational 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, excellent attention to detail, and confident communication skills to liaise with clients and site teams.

• Travel: A full UK driving license (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 opportunity to move that you have been looking for.

What They Offer

• Competitive Salary: Negotiable based on experience.

• Package: Car allowance / company car, competitive pension scheme, and healthcare options.

• Career Development: Structured training, mentorship from senior industry planners, and clear pathways to progress to Planner and Senior Planner roles.

• Work Culture: A supportive, family‑owned culture where your contribution is recognized 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.