Senior Planner

United Utilities; Kendal; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in water management is seeking a Senior Planner in Kendal to oversee project schedules and manage complex integration with various stakeholders. With a significant capital investment program ahead, this role offers opportunity for impactful contributions to the North-West infrastructure while promoting professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Competitive pension scheme

10.5% performance-related bonus

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Flexible and hybrid working

Onsite gym and physio lounge

Employee Assistance Plan

Enhanced parental leave schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in Programme Controls and Scheduling is essential.
• Strong understanding of project planning techniques required.
• Expertise in design and build techniques and methods necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production of Client Project-level schedules.
• Evaluate project schedule progress and identify issues.
• Proactively manage and control the critical path.

Skills

Programme Controls

Planning and Scheduling

Project Planning

Construction Methodology

Tools

Primavera

Planning Software

Job description

Job number UU02985 Country United Kingdom Region Cumbria Location name Kendal - Kent House, Mintsfeet Road South, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6ND Posting End Date 29/06/2025 Band 4a Role Type Permanent Salary Competitive Salary

About us

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

Please note:At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. This position requires in-person attendance at Kendal / Carlisle (Cumbria) to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility to support your work-life balance.

Office or site attendance is expected a minimum 3 days per a week.

The role

The role

As a Senior Planner at United Utilities, you will oversee the production and maintenance of the Client Project schedule, ensuring seamless integration with 3rd Party Interfaces and the Design/Procurement Programme. Your role will involve supervising the development and management of Client Project-Level programmes, coordinating Contractor Work Packages, and providing regular reports on progress against established baselines.

The upcoming 5-year Capital Investment Programme (AMP8) presents a significant opportunity for United Utilities, with its size and complexity four times larger than previous initiatives. This programme stands to revolutionize the infrastructure of the North-West region, offering a substantial scope for transformation.

At United Utilities, we prioritize your professional and personal growth. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters development and provides diverse opportunities for advancement. By joining our team, you not only contribute to the ongoing transformation and sustainability efforts but also play a vital role in making a meaningful impact on the North-West of England.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee production of Client Project-level and Contractor Work Package-level optimised schedules
• Evaluate the optimised programme/project schedule progress and performance and identify developing problem areas and proactively managing and supporting the implementation of solutions.
• Proactively manage and control the critical path and prioritise activities accordingly
• Assess impact of trends and change, ensuring agreed change to the baseline is implemented in a timely manner
• Establish a robust forecasting process and ensure regular reviews with all contributing parties that make up the overall WBS
• Review, develop and optimise construction methodology and site logistics.
• Lead on the schedule review of contractor claims or disputes.
• Review contractors' programmes and make comments as appropriate; ensure that they comply with strategic programmes in line with the WBS.

Skills & experience

Skills & experience:
To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in Programme Controls, Planning and Scheduling.
• Expertise of design and build techniques, methods and durations, with ability to plan and schedule detailed bottom-up construction programmes.
• Strong understanding of techniques for project planning and other facets of project controls
• Experience of Primavera and similar planning software
• Experience of integrated project planning.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in the UK.

Other

We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.

• Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues – Warrington only
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Compliance

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

• Pre-sift - We will check that your CV meets the essential/eligibility criteria listed in the Skills & Experience section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the criteria above.
• Sift - Your CV will be reviewed by UU hiring managers to determine eligibility for interview.
• Interview - If invited to interview, you'll be assessed against the sift categories in the Skills & Experience section of this advert.
• Feedback - Feedback will be provided post-interview. If successful, your application will be considered for offer. Please note feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.