Senior Planner

John Sisk & Son; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned international construction company is seeking a Senior Planner in Macclesfield to lead planning and project controls. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Construction Management or related fields, alongside experience with planning software like ASTA Powerproject and Primavera P6. Responsibilities include preparing NEC compliant Contract Programmes, managing subcontractor schedules, documenting programme risks, and mentoring junior staff. Competitive salary and benefits offered, alongside a commitment to development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave plus additional company days

Pension and benefits

Unlimited learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Certification in planning software (e.g., ASTA Powerproject).
• Experience in Asta Power Project & Primavera P6.
• Knowledge of UK and EU contract management.
• Proficient in IT systems and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of NEC compliant Contract Programmes.
• Manage and update tracking schedules for subcontractors.
• Conduct peer reviews of planners’ programmes.
• Document programme risks and monitor project progress.
• Mentor junior planners and support their development.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

IT skills

Contract management

Project planning

Education

Degree in Construction Management or related discipline

Tools

ASTA Powerproject

Primavera P6

Job description

Senior Planner

The Senior Planner leads the planning and project controls function across the business, setting standards and ensuring consistency in pre‑construction and construction phases. This role supports delivery excellence through accurate programme development, progress monitoring, risk management, and reporting to senior management and the Board. The Senior Planner is responsible for developing the baseline contract programme which includes design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover with each element appropriately validated to ensure a robust and deliverable programme submission.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of NEC Cl 31 compliant Contract Programmes for acceptance.
• Carry regular 4‑weekly programme NEC Cl 32 updates.
• Make clear provisions for Time Risk Allowance (TRA) and Terminal Float.
• Ensure all programmes are prepared and follow a consistent layout provided by Sisk.
• All programmes to be fully logic‑linked which generate a robust critical path and subsequent float paths and be able to analyse these.
• Be able to plan from first principles (developing own logic, assessing quantum of work, calculating periods and resource loading).
• Be able to prepare sequence sketches and ‘mark‑ups’ for logistics including planning workbooks to support the ‘bases’ of the programme.
• Engage with the Sisk Team, supply chain to develop / validate the project programme with regards to design, lead‑ins, construction periods, plant & labour requirements.
• Be aware of risk from H&S risk, commercial risk, quality, and time risk. Document programme risk.
• Include appropriate hold points for inspections and quality sign‑offs.
• Identify opportunities and create conditions to capitalise on these.
• Maintain electronic files and administration of planning and programme documents to facilitate retrieval as required.
• Contract and tender programme files produced to a high standard and be able to pass a (CIOB or DCMA quality check).
• Develop and manage tracking schedules to monitor subcontractor programmes.
• Maintain and update as‑built programmes, highlighting variances from baseline.
• Input into change requests, advising on programme impacts to facilitate approvals.
• Validate and track progress using output rates and provide feedback to inform future tenders.
• Undertake peer reviews of planners’ programmes to ensure consistency and quality.
• Use 4D/2D planning tools to represent current progress visually.
• Provide regular updates to Regional Planners and report programme positions at monthly contract reviews.
• Lead programme reporting weekly and monthly in coordination with project management teams.
• Manage, mentor, and support assistant and graduate planners, conducting performance and development reviews.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of planning outputs produced by project and site teams.
• Benchmark programme periods using subcontractor input, historic data, and project consultation.
• Lead planning and programme management duties during both pre‑construction and site phases.
• Contribute to assessment of programme entitlements under contract conditions (e.g., NEC, JCT).

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Certification or training in planning and programme software (e.g., ASTA Powerproject).
• Experience in Asta Power Project & Primavera P6.
• Extensive knowledge of UK and EU legal framework, in particular contract management.
• Effective communication and people skills required, engaging positively and professionally with others.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Experience of working within a team.
• Desirable record of working with clients, contractors and other stakeholders on live construction projects in a laboratory / pharma framework environment.
• Experience managing & developing junior planner.
• Experience in Laboratory Constructions and high‑tech manufacturing facilities desirable.

Desirable

• Advanced contract awareness – understanding JCT and NEC forms of contract.
• Basic BIM training and understanding of the common data environment.
• Membership (or working towards membership) of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIOB, ICE, APM).
• Advanced training in ASTA Powerproject (e.g., progress analysis, S‑curve reporting, resource management).
• Training in contract management (NEC, JCT).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave plus additional company days
• Pension and benefits
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities
• Much more

John Sisk & Son have been building excellence as a family‑owned international construction company by offering trust, certainty and value to our clients whilst being at the heart of change.