Senior Planning Engineer

Balfour Beatty; Middlesbrough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Balfour Beatty seeks an experienced Senior Planning Engineer in Power Transmission & Distribution to lead complex infrastructure projects that contribute to the UK's energy future. This role offers the opportunity to drive projects while advancing towards net zero. Candidates should possess significant planning experience and proficiency in relevant software, alongside excellent communication skills. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive Salary and bonus opportunities

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Company car or car allowance

Up to 7% employer pension contribution

Professional fees paid and pathways to chartership

Life assurance, EAP, and family-friendly policies

Training & development with access to leading tools

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in planning for major infrastructure or energy projects.
• Deep knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts and project risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project schedules for complex infrastructure projects.
• Oversee delivery performance and manage project risks.

Skills

Planning Software Proficiency

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Primavera P6

Asta Powerproject

Job description

About the role

Senior Planning Engineer - Power Transmission & Distribution

Contract Type: Permanent
Location: UK-Wide (Smart Working Available)
Division: Power Transmission & Distribution

Drive Progress in Energy Sector Projects

Are you an experienced planning professional ready to take on more responsibility and influence critical national infrastructure? Join Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) business as a Senior Planning Engineer and play a key role in delivering the projects that power millions - all while advancing the UK's journey to Net Zero.

From the outset, you'll take the lead on complex infrastructure projects, leveraging cutting-edge tools and forward-thinking methodologies to shape national energy solutions. Whether overseeing offshore wind connections, substation builds, or underground cabling programmes - this is planning that truly makes a difference.

What you'll be doing

As a Senior Planning Engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Advanced Planning & Scheduling: Develop, manage, and maintain fully resourced, logically linked programmes across all project stages.
• Strategic Tender Planning: Lead the creation and presentation of compelling tender programmes and planning strategies that influence bid outcomes.
• Delivery Oversight: Oversee the management and performance of contract programmes, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational objectives.
• Critical Path & Change Management: Identify project risks, analyse impacts, and implement robust mitigation measures.
• Reporting & Insights: Provide detailed planning updates, progress reports, KPIs, and strategic insights to project leadership.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Lead and mentor junior planners, fostering a collaborative team environment and sharing knowledge.
• Interface & Collaboration: Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Commercial teams, and Clients to maintain alignment and drive successful project outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive the continuous improvement of planning processes, tools, and methodologies.

Who we're looking for

We're after senior planning professionals who bring structure, clarity, and strategic vision. You'll need:

• A Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a similar field.
• Significant experience in a planning role on major infrastructure or energy projects.
• Advanced proficiency in planning software such as Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject, alongside Excel and reporting tools.
• Deep knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, earned value analysis, QSRA, and TRA methodologies.
• A strategic and analytical mindset with a sharp eye for programme risk and opportunity.
• Exceptional communication skills to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to lead independently and collaboratively within a hybrid, fast-paced delivery environment.

Why work for us

We don't just build infrastructure - we build careers. Join us and enjoy:

• Competitive Salary and bonus opportunities
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company car or car allowance
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution
• Professional fees paid and clear pathways to chartership
• Smart working with up to 40% remote flexibility
• Life assurance, EAP, and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities to volunteer and make a real difference
• Training & development with access to industry-leading tools and qualifications

About us

Why Balfour Beatty?

Balfour Beatty is a global leader in infrastructure delivery, known for solving complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. In our Power T&D business, we're proud to be shaping a more sustainable, connected, and secure energy future. We work across the entire energy grid - from overhead lines and substations to underground cabling and renewables - supporting the delivery of some of the UK's most ambitious energy programmes.

Diversity & Inclusion

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, and we're proud to be recognised for our work in equality and inclusion.

Apply Today

If you're a seasoned planner looking to make a real impact on major energy projects and drive progress towards a sustainable future - we'd love to hear from you.