Project Planner

WM Donald; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a reliable Project Planner to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects. The candidate will create and manage project schedules using industry-standard planning software. Essential skills include expertise in scheduling, analytical thinking, and strong communication abilities. The role requires a minimum of 5 years in civil engineering or construction, along with relevant IT literacy. This is a full-time position based in Aberdeen, offering an opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning within construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• CSCS Card and Full UK Driving Licence are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and refine detailed project programmes.
• Monitor project progress against baseline schedules.
• Produce clear schedule-related reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Planning software proficiency (Asta Powerproject, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)

Analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Minimum 5 years experience in civil engineering/construction environment

General IT literacy including Microsoft Office suite

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Vacancy: Project Planner

Location: Aberdeen

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reporting to: Operations Manager

About Us

W M Donald Ltd are looking for a reliable and safety-focused Project Planner.

The successful candidate will be responsible to support the successful and efficient delivery of construction projects through the creation, management, and control of accurate project schedules and planning documentation, ensuring that all work complies with contractual, legislative, and client requirements.

To provide analytical, scheduling, and planning expertise that contributes to timely and profitable project execution, helping identify solutions to potential delays and resource constraints across all areas of responsibility.

To promote and uphold high standards of safety, welfare, and planning discipline by ensuring that all construction phases are effectively coordinated and scheduled to minimise risk and maintain safe working conditions for all site personnel and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Scheduling

• Develop, maintain, and refine detailed project programmes using industry-standard planning software (Asta Powerproject, Microsoft Project, or Primavera P6)
• Create and manage programmes ensuring current and is accurately reflecting project status
• Monitor project progress against baseline schedules, updating programmes to reflect current status and forecast completion dates
• Identify critical paths and float analysis, reporting risks to timelines and proposing mitigation strategies
• Ensure milestones, dependencies, logic links, and resource allocations are accurately reflected within programmes
• Prepare and issue NEC Clause 31/32 compliant programmes and updates as required by contract
• Prepare detailed tender programmes demonstrating understanding of project scope, methodology, and key constraints
• Support estimating teams with programme-related information for bid submissions
• Develop construction methodologies and sequencing strategies during pre-construction phase
• Attend tender interviews and presentations where planning input is required
• Review contract documents to identify programme constraints, phasing requirements, and key dates
• Work closely with site management teams to understand operational realities and incorporate practical constraints into programmes
• Conduct regular site visits to verify progress, understand challenges, and gather accurate programme update information
• Support collaborative planning sessions with site teams, developing look-ahead schedules and short-interval programmes
• Communicate programme changes, constraints, and critical activities to gangers, foremen, and site engineers
• Assist site teams in developing recovery programmes when projects fall behind schedule
• Attend and actively contribute to internal progress meetings, client meetings, and planning workshops
• Present programme information to clients, explaining progress, delays, and recovery strategies
• Produce clear schedule-related reports, charts, histograms, and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders
• Act as a key planning interface between contract management, engineering, procurement, and site teams
• Coordinate the planning of labour, subcontractors, plant, and materials based on project requirements
• Develop resource-loaded and cost-loaded schedules where required by contract or for internal forecasting
• Liaise with procurement and plant departments to ensure timely delivery of construction resources
• Provide forward resource requirements to support company-wide resource allocation
• Analyse the impact of design changes, variations, and delays on project timelines
• Support claim preparation through time-impact analysis and delay assessment
• Maintain accurate records of all programme changes, updates, assumptions, and delay events
• Assist in preparing Extension of Time submissions with supporting programme evidence
• Identify programme risks early and work with teams to develop mitigation strategies
• Prepare planning documentation including progress reports, look-ahead schedules, and recovery plans
• Ensure planning documentation is filed, organised, and traceable for audit purposes
• Provide input into monthly reporting cycles, project reviews, and management information
• Develop and track Key Performance Indicators for production, progress, and forecasting

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in planning within construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure projects
• Proficiency in industry planning software (Asta Powerproject, Microsoft Project, or Primavera P6)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in civil engineering/construction environment
• Understanding of construction methodology and sequencing for civil works
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• CSCS Card
• Full UK Driving Licence
• General IT literacy including Microsoft Office suite