Planning Lead

WiiGroup; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WiiGroup in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a Planning Lead to drive planning, scheduling and project controls for a major mission-critical project. You will lead development, maintenance, and monitoring of programmes, coordinating with leadership, construction teams, subcontractors, and client representatives to ensure safe, timely delivery.

This role requires 5+ years in planning, strong site-based experience, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in project planning, project controls, or programme management within the construction industry.
• Experience with Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project for detailed construction programmes.
• Experience on large-scale construction projects such as data centres, commercial developments, industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, or mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling methodologies, critical path analysis, earned value principles, and progress reporting.
• Experience monitoring programme performance and implementing recovery plans where required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project delivery teams, subcontractors, consultants, and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, scheduling, programme management, and project controls activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with project leadership, construction teams, subcontractors, and client representatives to ensure programmes are developed, maintained, and monitored effectively.
• Support safe, timely, and successful delivery of complex works.
• Drive governance, progress reporting, programme recovery, and stakeholder communication.

Skills

Project planning

Scheduling

Programme management

Project controls

Stakeholder management

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Construction industry experience

Communication

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Construction Management

APM / PMP / PRINCE2

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Summary:

WiiGroup is seeking to hire a Planning Lead to join our growing team in Newcastle upon Tyne, supporting the delivery of a major mission-critical project.

The Planning Lead will be responsible for leading project planning, scheduling, programme management, and project controls activities throughout the project lifecycle. Working closely with project leadership, construction teams, subcontractors, and client representatives, the successful candidate will ensure that project programmes are developed, maintained, and monitored effectively to support the safe, timely, and successful delivery of complex works.

This role is ideal for an experienced planning professional with strong site-based project experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a passion for driving project performance within fast-paced construction environments.

Our Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years' experience in project planning, project controls, or programme management within the construction industry.
• Pharmaceutical or data centre experience.
• Strong experience developing and managing detailed construction programmes using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
• Proven experience working on large-scale construction projects such as data centres, commercial developments, industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, or mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling methodologies, critical path analysis, earned value principles, and progress reporting.
• Experience monitoring programme performance and implementing recovery plans where required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project delivery teams, subcontractors, consultants, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify programme risks and opportunities.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience within live site environments and multidisciplinary construction teams is highly desirable.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as APM, PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent is advantageous.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Priority Candidate Profile

• Planning Leads, Senior Planners, Project Controls Engineers, or Project Managers with significant experience in major construction projects.
• Candidates with experience working on data centre, mission-critical, industrial, or large commercial developments.
• Professionals with strong Primavera P6 expertise and a track record of successful programme delivery.
• Individuals who are comfortable working in a site-based environment and engaging directly with construction teams.
• Candidates who can drive programme governance, progress reporting, programme recovery, and stakeholder communication.
• Professionals who thrive in fast-paced project environments and can manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Individuals who demonstrate leadership, accountability, commercial awareness, and a proactive approach to project delivery.