Senior Planner

VVB Engineering; Acton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

VVB Engineering is seeking a Senior Planner to lead project planning across London and the South East. You will prepare cost and resource-loaded programmes, update schedules, and support commercial submissions with delay analyses and EOT programmes.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in planning, strong communication, and experience in infrastructure projects (utilities/civils). Travel nationally and internationally is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in planning.
• Experience creating planning documentation.
• Experience in infrastructure environments (utilities/civils).

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost and resource-loaded programmes for the full project scope.
• Create and maintain robust, logically linked, cost and resource-loaded project programmes.
• Regularly update project programmes to align with client expectations.
• Provide comprehensive programme updates and conduct reviews prior to submission.
• Prepare and submit weekly site progress photo reports.
• Carry out regular programme reviews to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Perform delay analyses and prepare EOT programmes for commercial submissions.
• Monitor progress with lookahead plans, site diaries and site visits.
• Generate EVA reports and review SPI/CPI.
• Prepare tender programmes and assist with tender submissions.
• Support the commercial team in managing risks and opportunities at project level.

Skills

Planning software

Communication

Collaborative

Education

NVQ/HNC

Job description

Role Overview

Are you a proactive, forward-thinking professional with a passion for delivering excellence in project planning? Join our VVB Engineering as a Senior Planner and play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery, commercial viability, and resource optimisation of projects across London and South East

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare cost and resource-loaded programmes covering the complete project scope in line with the contract.
• Create and maintain robust, logically linked, cost and resource-loaded project programmes.
• Regularly update project programmes, ensuring they align with client expectations.
• Provide comprehensive programme updates and conduct reviews prior to submission.
• Prepare and submit weekly site progress photo reports.
• Carry out regular programme reviews to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Perform impact assessments, delay analyses, and prepare cause-and-effect delay programmes.
• Monitor project progress through lookahead plans, site diaries, and regular site visits.
• Conduct forensic planning and prepare EOT (Extension of Time) programmes to support commercial submissions.
• Implement and maintain VVB planning standards and programme logic, while maintaining a programme log for all changes.
• Generate Earned Value Analysis (EVA) reports and regularly review SPI (Schedule Performance Index) and CPI (Cost Performance Index).
• Prepare tender programmes and contribute to tender submissions as requested by the Head of Planning.
• Support the commercial team in managing risks and opportunities (R&O) at project level.
• Resolve cross-functional planning issues and elevate concerns where necessary.
• Provide support to other VVB projects as directed by the Planning Manager.

Person Specification

• Strong understanding of achieving customer satisfaction and maintaining high standards.
• Proficiency in planning software and operational requirements.
• Awareness of inter-discipline requirements of design and construct projects.

Contract Knowledge – Desirable

• Knowledge of major construction contracts (NEC, JCT, ICE).
• Background in electrical or mechanical engineering.

Qualifications – Essential

• Minimum NVQ/HNC.

Qualifications – Desirable

• Electrical or Mechanical Engineering qualifications.

Competencies / Behaviours – Essential

• Collaborative, decisive, and able to work under pressure.
• Flexible, “can-do” attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise on technical matters at all levels.
• Self-motivated and forward-thinking with the ability to establish good working relationships.

Competencies / Behaviours – Desirable

• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Experience – Essential

• Minimum 10 years of experience in planning.
• Competence in creating planning documentation.
• Experience in infrastructure environments (utilities/civils).

Experience – Desirable

• Previous experience working for an M&E contractor.
• Proven experience of 3–5 years in a similar role.