Planner (Engineering Company)

VanRath; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Planner of Works for an engineering company in Cookstown, UK. The right candidate will create and manage project schedules, oversee resource allocation, and report on project progress. Essential qualifications include an engineering degree and experience with Primavera P6 and MS Project. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and annual leave.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private Health Insurance

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Project Planner or Planner of Works in construction or engineering.
• Strong knowledge of project lifecycles.
• Familiarity with NEC, FIDIC, or CECA contract systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Allocate and optimise resources to meet deadlines.
• Monitor project progress and report on risks and delays.
• Work closely with design, engineering, and site teams.

Skills

Project lifecycle knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Resource planning

Education

Relevant engineering qualification

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

VANRATH are delighted to assist with a major client who are undergoing huge success and expansion for a Planner of Works to join a growing and dynamic Group based in their Cookstown HQ.

Job Title: Planner of Works
Location: Cookstown HQ
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Reporting to: Operations Director
Division: Operations

About the Role

A growing organisation within the engineering and construction sector is seeking a skilled Planner of Works to support the successful delivery of a diverse range of infrastructure projects. This is a key role for an experienced planning professional who is confident working across the full project lifecycle - from tender through to project completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development & Management: Create, manage, and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Ensure all plans align with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Resource Planning: Allocate and optimise labour, plant, and material resources to meet programme deadlines and maximise efficiency.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor project progress against baseline programmes. Identify and report risks, delays, and deviations, and produce accurate updates, forecasts, recovery strategies, and Earned Value analyses.
• Coordination & Communication: Work closely with design, engineering, commercial, and site teams - including contractors and subcontractors - to ensure integrated and achievable project plans.
• Risk & Change Management: Evaluate the time impact of design and scope changes. Conduct time-risk analyses and develop mitigation strategies to minimise disruption.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure all planning activities adhere to NEC contract principles, internal procedures, and industry best practices.
• Software Utilisation: Use Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project to manage dependencies, critical paths, resource/cost loading, and reporting.
• Tender Support: Assist in the preparation of tender programmes and related planning documentation to support business development efforts.

Essential Criteria

• A relevant qualification in an engineering discipline.
• Proven experience as a Project Planner or Planner of Works within the construction or engineering sectors.
• Strong knowledge of project lifecycles, particularly design, delivery, and commissioning phases.
• Proficient in Primavera P6 and MS Project, with the ability to produce and manage complex schedules and reporting outputs.
• Previous experience in the water treatment sector or a related industry.
• Familiarity with NEC, FIDIC, or CECA contract mechanisms (advantageous).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with internal and external stakeholders.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package
• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
• Private Health Insurance
• Death in Service benefit
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities