Senior Forensic Planner

Building Careers UK; Ringway; Hybrid; GBP 111,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Building Careers UK is seeking a Senior Forensic Planner / Delay Analyst for freelance engagement in Manchester with hybrid working arrangements. The role involves forensic planning, delay analysis and supporting EOT claims across a range of construction disputes.

You will review project programmes, assess delays, identify critical path impacts and prepare robust technical reports while working alongside dispute resolution professionals.

Qualifications

• Proven forensic delay analysis experience in construction disputes.
• Experience preparing, reviewing or defending EOT claims.
• Strong understanding of construction programmes and critical path analysis.

Responsibilities

• Undertake forensic planning and delay analysis across construction disputes.
• Assist with preparation, assessment and defence of EOT claims.
• Review construction programmes and as-built information to identify delay causes.
• Analyse records and evidence to support delay claims and recommendations.
• Prepare detailed planning assessments and technical reports.

Skills

Forensic planning

Delay analysis

EOT claims

Construction programmes

Critical path analysis

Report writing

Independent work

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Senior Forensic Planner / Delay Analyst

Location: Manchester - Hybrid

Day Rate: £600 - £750 per day

Job Type: Freelance / Contract

About the Company

Our client is a leading multidisciplinary consultancy providing specialist professional services across the built environment, with an established Expert Advisory Services team supporting complex construction and property matters.

Their dispute resolution specialists provide independent technical advice, claims support and expert services to clients involved in construction disputes, including adjudication, arbitration, mediation and litigation.

Due to anticipated upcoming instructions and an expanding workload, they are looking to establish relationships with an experienced freelance Senior Forensic Planner / Delay Analyst who can provide specialist support on an ongoing, project-by-project basis.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced forensic planning professional to support a highly regarded Expert Advisory Services team on a freelance basis.

The initial requirement is likely to involve several construction matters relating to Extension of Time (EOT) claims, with further opportunities expected as new instructions come into the business.

You will provide specialist planning and delay analysis expertise, assisting with the investigation, assessment and preparation of construction delay claims. Working alongside experienced dispute resolution professionals, you will review project information, analyse programmes and identify the causes and effects of delay to support robust, evidence-based assessments.

The requirement is flexible and suited to an established freelance consultant who has the capacity to take on additional assignments as matters arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake forensic planning and delay analysis across a range of construction disputes.
• Assist with the preparation, assessment and defence of Extension of Time (EOT) claims.
• Review construction programmes, including baseline programmes, updated programmes and as-built information.
• Analyse project records, progress reports, correspondence and other relevant documentation to establish the causes and effects of delay.
• Identify critical path activities, delay events, concurrency and potential programme impacts.
• Assess contractor and subcontractor delay submissions and evaluate their contractual and programme implications.
• Apply appropriate delay analysis methodologies depending on the circumstances and available project records.
• Prepare detailed planning assessments, technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Work alongside expert advisers, surveyors, legal professionals and other specialists involved in dispute resolution matters.
• Provide clear, objective and well-supported findings to assist with the resolution of construction disputes.
• Support additional forensic planning and delay-related assignments as new instructions are received.

About You

• Extensive experience working as a Senior Planner, Forensic Planner, Planning Consultant or Delay Analyst within the construction industry.
• Proven experience undertaking forensic delay analysis and working on construction claims.
• Strong experience preparing, reviewing or defending Extension of Time (EOT) claims.
• A detailed understanding of construction programmes, critical path analysis and project controls.
• Experience analysing baseline programmes, programme updates and as-built records.
• Knowledge of recognised delay analysis methodologies and their practical application.
• Experience working within construction dispute resolution, claims consultancy or expert advisory environments.
• Strong technical report-writing skills and the ability to communicate complex planning issues clearly.
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, manage deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work alongside expert advisers and legal professionals.
• Experience supporting adjudication, arbitration, mediation or litigation matters would be particularly advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• £600 - £750 per day, depending on experience and expertise.
• Freelance / contract engagement.
• Flexible, project-by-project working arrangement.
• Potential for ongoing assignments as new matters come into the business.
• Initial involvement in upcoming Extension of Time and construction delay claims.
• Opportunity to work alongside an established Expert Advisory Services and Dispute Resolution team.
• Exposure to a varied portfolio of complex construction matters.

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.