Site-to-Plan: Trainee Construction Planner

Wates Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured training and development

Hands-on exposure to fast-paced constr

Access to planning tools

Mentoring and coaching

Clear career pathway

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Wates Smartspace is offering a development opportunity for aspiring Construction Planners in London. You’ll transition from site-based roles into planning, with hands-on mentoring, structured training and exposure to fast-paced fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you’ll learn to develop programmes, monitor milestones and support project controls using industry-leading planning tools. A proactive, detail‑focused mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Candidates should come from a site-based construction background and want to move into planning.
• Experience in site management, site engineering or project delivery is preferred.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and maintenance of project programmes across multiple fit out and refurbishment projects.
• Working closely with Project Managers, Site Managers and construction teams to understand project requirements and delivery strategies.
• Assisting with programme updates, progress reporting and project controls.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and programme constraints.
• Learning to create detailed project programmes using industry-leading planning software.
• Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with programme development and logistics planning.
• Monitoring project performance against key milestones and delivery targets.
• Participating in project reviews, lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Site management

Site engineering

Project delivery

Programme management

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Willingness to learn

Job description

Wates Smartspace is offering a development opportunity for aspiring Construction Planners in London. You’ll transition from site-based roles into planning, with hands-on mentoring, structured training and exposure to fast-paced fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you’ll learn to develop programmes, monitor milestones and support project controls using industry-leading planning tools. A proactive, detail‑focused mindset is essential.