Senior Planner

Wates Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Group is seeking a Senior Planner in Newbury to support both Pre-Construction and Project Delivery across a diverse portfolio of construction projects. You will shape tender strategies, develop robust programmes and monitor delivery on site, working with operations, commercial and design teams.

The role requires proven senior planning experience, advanced project controls and the ability to influence project decisions through accurate reporting and proactive risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Planner in construction.
• Experience supporting pre-construction and live project delivery.
• Track record on medium to large construction projects.
• Advanced planning methodologies and project controls.
• Experience with Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject.

Responsibilities

• Develop tender and pre-construction programmes to support work-winning.
• Collaborate with bid, design and operations to craft deliverable strategies.
• Develop, maintain and monitor detailed project programmes during delivery.
• Identify programme risks and mitigation plans.
• Produce progress updates and reports for teams and senior stakeholders.
• Support project controls, change management and performance reporting.
• Facilitate planning workshops and collaborate to optimise delivery.
• Share planning expertise across multiple projects and promote best practice.

Skills

Planning expertise

Stakeholder management

Pre-construction & delivery

Project controls

Analytical thinking

Tools

Primavera P6

Asta Powerproject

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Planner to join our team in Newbury, supporting both Pre-Construction and Project Delivery activities across a diverse portfolio of construction projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner to play a key role throughout the project lifecycle, from shaping winning tender strategies and developing robust programmes during pre-construction, through to monitoring and controlling project delivery on site. Working closely with operational, commercial and design teams, you will provide planning expertise that drives certainty, efficiency and successful project outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Developing tender and pre-construction programmes to support successful work-winning activities
• Working with bid, design and operational teams to create realistic and deliverable project strategies
• Developing, maintaining and monitoring detailed project programmes throughout delivery
• Identifying programme risks and opportunities, developing mitigation and recovery plans where required
• Producing progress updates, programme reports and analysis for project teams and senior stakeholders
• Supporting project controls, change management and performance reporting processes
• Facilitating planning workshops and collaborating with project teams to optimise delivery strategies
• Providing planning expertise across multiple projects and supporting best practice within the business

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Planner within the construction industry
• Experience supporting both pre-construction and live project delivery phases
• Strong track record of working on medium to large construction projects
• Advanced knowledge of planning methodologies and project controls
• Experience using planning software such as Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence project teams and support strategic decision‑making
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions‑focused approach

Why Join Wates?

• Opportunity to work across both work-winning and project delivery activities
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of exciting construction projects
• Join a collaborative and high‑performing team environment
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]