Planning Engineer

Contract Scotland; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Contract Scotland is working with a growing civil engineering, infrastructure and energy business in Scotland to recruit Site Engineers who want to move into Project Planning. Full training and mentoring are provided to help you transition into planning and project controls.

You’ll learn on the job, with hybrid/remote options and the opportunity to work on major energy and infrastructure schemes across Scotland, driving delivery and long-term career growth in planning.

Qualifications

• Background in civil engineering, construction or infrastructure.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a site-based role such as Site Engineer.
• Solid understanding of construction methodology and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Creating and maintaining project programmes using industry planning software.
• Monitoring progress and incorporating actual site performance into project programmes.
• Highlighting potential delays, risks and opportunities to improve project delivery.
• Working closely with Site Engineers, Project Managers and wider delivery teams.
• Supporting planning activities for live projects as well as tenders and bids.
• Preparing programme updates and project information for key stakeholders.

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Site Engineer → Project Planner

Ready to take your construction career beyond the site?

You’ve built valuable experience as a Site Engineer. You understand how projects are delivered, you know the realities of working on site, and you’ve developed the technical knowledge that comes from being involved in live construction.

But perhaps you’re starting to think about what the next 5–10 years looks like.

If long site hours, constant pressure and limited flexibility are becoming less appealing, this could be the opportunity to use your existing experience in a completely different way — without starting your career again.

We’re partnering with a growing civil engineering, infrastructure and energy business that is playing an important role in Scotland’s energy transition. They’re looking for Site Engineers who want to move into Project Planning, with full training and support provided.

Why move into planning?

This is more than simply moving from one job title to another. It’s an opportunity to build a long-term career in a discipline that sits at the heart of successful project delivery.

You’ll be able to:

• Move from predominantly site-based work into a hybrid or remote working environment
• Stay involved with major construction and infrastructure projects without the everyday pressures of site
• Develop a career in project planning, project controls and programme management
• Work on major energy and infrastructure schemes across Scotland
• Join a business with significant growth plans and strong backing

The opportunity

Working alongside experienced planners and project teams, you’ll help shape how projects are programmed, sequenced and delivered.

Your responsibilities will develop to include:

• Creating and maintaining project programmes using industry planning software
• Monitoring progress and incorporating actual site performance into project programmes
• Highlighting potential delays, risks and opportunities to improve project delivery
• Working closely with Site Engineers, Project Managers and wider delivery teams
• Supporting planning activities for live projects as well as tenders and bids
• Preparing programme updates, reports and project information for key stakeholders

You won’t be expected to know everything from day one.

You’ll receive training in the relevant planning software and ongoing mentoring from senior planners who have personally made the transition from site-based engineering into planning. They understand the challenges involved and will support you as you develop.

Who are they looking for?

You’ll ideally have:

• A background in civil engineering, construction or infrastructure
• Around 3–5 years’ experience working in a site-based position such as Site Engineer
• A solid understanding of construction methodology and how projects are delivered in practice
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Previous planning experience isn’t essential — your site experience is the foundation they’re looking for.

What you can expect

• A structured and supported transition from site engineering into project planning
• Mentoring from experienced planners who have made the same career move
• Hybrid and remote working options, with occasional office or site attendance
• Involvement in major energy and infrastructure projects
• A clear pathway towards senior planning and project controls positions
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing sector

Ready for a different kind of construction career?

If you still enjoy construction and want to remain close to major projects, but you’re ready for more flexibility, greater control over your working life and a longer-term career path, this could be the next step.

Your experience on site has already given you the knowledge that many planners spend years developing.

Now you have the opportunity to put that experience to work from the planning side of the project.

Legal Information:

We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work.

For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

We value diversity and promote 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 areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application.