Lead Planner, Capital Project Planning

National Grid plc; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 121,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid plc is seeking a Lead Construction Planner in Syracuse or Albany, NY to turn complex substation projects into executable schedules. You will partner with project managers, engineers, and construction crews to optimize timelines, resources, and performance metrics for safe, on-time delivery.

This on-site role requires regular field presence and will involve travel across UNY to develop scopes, assess bids, and present progress to leadership.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree or relative job experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in construction analysis, construction management, project management, or related field, preferably within Utility construction.
• Demonstrated leadership and accountability.
• Strong knowledge of project scheduling methodologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Preferred proficiency in administrative support tools (SAP, Concur, Ariba).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules for substation construction projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and construction teams to gather input and ensure accurate scheduling and resource allocation.
• Ability to travel across UNY territory as required may require overnight stay for multiple days/nights including Storm duty.
• Analyze project requirements and develop construction methodologies that optimize efficiency and safety.
• Assist in the preparation of scopes for bid events, ensuring clarity and completeness to facilitate accurate bidding by contractors.
• Support the evaluation of contractor bids by providing insights on scheduling, resource implications, and methodology.
• Attend project scheduling meetings for each division with managers in-person.
• Conduct regular reviews of project schedules and update stakeholders on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Utilize project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Procore) to create and manage schedules and reports.
• Willingness to travel statewide to meet with supervisors to develop SOWs, visit sites for upcoming projects, visit active sites to identify constructability challenges/lessons learned for future implementation.
• Provide administrative support and guidance to Director, Construction Managers, and Supervisors including the development and presentation of various deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Scheduling knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

Associate/Bachelor degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Concur

Ariba

Job description

National Grid is hiring a Lead Planner for our Capitol Project Planning department in Syracuse or Albany, NY

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

Are you passionate about turning complex construction projects into well-executed success stories? As a Lead Construction Planner, you will play a pivotal role in delivering critical substation infrastructure that powers our communities and supports a reliable energy future.

In this highly visible role, you'll partner with project, engineering, and construction teams to develop and optimize project schedules, resource plans, and performance metrics for substation construction projects. Using your analytical mindset and planning expertise, you'll provide data-driven insights that help teams make informed decisions, proactively manage risks, and keep projects on track, on budget, and moving forward safely.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence key infrastructure investments, drive operational excellence, and make a tangible impact on projects that support thousands of customers. If you enjoy solving complex challenges, collaborating across teams, and seeing your planning efforts translate into successful project delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an on-site position that requires regular in-office and field presence to effectively collaborate with project teams, support construction activities, and foster strong working relationships with stakeholders. This role is not eligible for remote work.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules for substation construction projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and construction teams to gather input and ensure accurate scheduling and resource allocation
• Ability to travel across UNY territory as required may require overnight stay for multiple days/nights including Storm duty
• Analyze project requirements and develop construction methodologies that optimize efficiency and safety
• Assist in the preparation of scopes for bid events, ensuring clarity and completeness to facilitate accurate bidding by contractors
• Support the evaluation of contractor bids by providing insights on scheduling, resource implications, and methodology.
• Attend project scheduling meetings for each division with managers in-person.
• Conduct regular reviews of project schedules and update stakeholders on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Utilize project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Procore) to create and manage schedules and reports
• Willingness to travel statewide to meet with supervisors to develop SOWs, visit sites for upcoming projects, visit active sites to identify constructability challenges/lessons learned for future implementation.
• Provide administrative support and guidance to Director, Construction Managers, and Supervisors including the development and presentation of various deliverables.

Qualifications

• An associate degree or bachelor’s degree or relative job experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in construction analysis, construction management, project management, or related field, preferably within Utility construction.
• Demonstrated leadership and accountability.
• Strong knowledge of project scheduling methodologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Preferred proficiency in administrative support tools (SAP, Concur, Ariba)

More Information

Salary: $121,000 - $155,000 per year

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.