Senior Project Planner

Cobalt Recruitment; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment seeks an experienced Senior Planner to join a major £170m development on the South Coast. You will develop and maintain robust construction programmes in collaboration with design, commercial and supply chain teams to ensure efficient delivery and risk mitigation.

The role requires expertise in Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6, a track record of guiding projects from pre-construction through to completion, and a proactive approach to EOT and NEC contract environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in main contracting environments on major building projects.
• Ability to develop and maintain construction programmes reflecting strategy, sequencing and resources.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes using Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6
• Working with project teams and supply chain to develop logical, achievable programmes
• Developing construction sequencing and methodology for complex packages of work
• Monitoring progress against programme and identifying potential delays
• Identifying programme risks and developing mitigation/contingency plans
• Reviewing buildability with Design and Pre‑Construction teams to optimise sequencing
• Supporting resource planning and future workload requirements
• Producing programme information and reports for senior stakeholders
• Supporting planning activity across regional projects as required

Skills

NEC contracts knowledge

EOT programmes

Risk identification

Strong communication

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Primavera P6

Job description

Job Title - Senior Planner – Major £170m Construction Project

Location: Southampton / Hampshire

Sector: Major Building / Student Accommodation

Project Value: £170m

Salary – Up to £90,000 plus an excellent benefits package

The Opportunity

We are working with a leading Tier 1 main contractor to recruit an experienced Senior Planner to join their regional construction team and play a key role in the delivery of a major £170m development in Southampton.

This is a significant, long‑term construction programme that will deliver more than 1,000 new student bedrooms alongside the refurbishment of approximately 400 existing rooms and the restoration of a Grade II listed building.

The wider development will create a number of new residential communities, incorporating new‑build accommodation, refurbishment, public realm and landscaping.

For an experienced Planner, this represents an excellent opportunity to join a major contractor at an important stage of the programme and have genuine influence over the planning and delivery strategy.

The Role

Working closely with the wider Planning, Project, Design and Commercial teams, you will take responsibility for developing and maintaining robust construction programmes and ensuring they accurately reflect project strategy, sequencing, resources and delivery requirements.

You will also work closely with the supply chain to develop realistic programmes and identify potential risks or programme issues early enough for the project team to take appropriate action.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes using Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6
• Working closely with project teams and supply chain partners to develop logical and achievable programmes
• Developing construction sequencing and methodology for complex packages of work
• Monitoring progress against programme and identifying potential delays at an early stage
• Identifying programme risks and developing appropriate mitigation and contingency plans
• Working alongside Design and Pre‑Construction teams to review buildability and optimise construction sequencing
• Supporting project resource planning and future workload requirements
• Producing programme information and reports for senior project stakeholders
• Supporting the commercial team with programme‑related contractual matters
• Identifying and producing programmes to demonstrate Extension of Time (EOT) requirements
• Working within NEC contract environments
• Supporting planning activity across other regional projects where required

About You

We are looking for an experienced construction Planner or Senior Planner who has worked within a main contracting environment and understands the complexities of delivering major building projects.

Ideally, you will have experience across large residential, student accommodation, commercial, education, healthcare or similarly complex construction schemes.

You should have:

• Strong construction planning experience with a main contractor
• Experience delivering projects from pre‑construction through to completion
• Excellent knowledge of construction sequencing and methodology
• Strong working knowledge of Asta Powerproject
• Primavera P6 experience would be advantageous
• Experience working with NEC contracts and EOT programmes
• The ability to interrogate programmes and identify risks and opportunities
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with Project Directors, Design Managers, Commercial teams and subcontractors
• Experience working on major projects in live or logistically challenging environments

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join an established Tier 1 contractor with a strong pipeline of major projects across the region.

The immediate focus will be a £170m flagship development in Southampton, providing the successful Senior Planner with a substantial long‑term project where they can have real input into programme strategy and delivery.

Beyond this project, the business operates across a broad range of sectors including residential, education, healthcare, commercial, industrial and mixed‑use developments, providing excellent longer‑term career opportunities.

If you're an experienced Senior Planner looking for your next major project on the South Coast, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.