Senior Project Controls Specialist - Pull Planner/Last Planner

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses covered

Job summary

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB seeks a Project Controls Planner for a large-scale construction project in Northern Indiana. This full-time role requires on-site presence up to 4 days a week for a minimum of 12 months, with potential extension. Candidates must have 5-7 years in construction planning or scheduling and a strong background in Lean construction. Responsibilities include leading planning sessions and ensuring alignment among project teams. Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in construction planning or scheduling.
• Strong understanding of Lean construction methodologies.
• Experience working directly with trade partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of pull plans and scheduling.
• Conduct weekly on-site planning meetings.
• Support trade partners and project leadership in alignment.

Skills

Construction planning

Lean facilitation

Scheduling tools (e.g., P6)

Communication skills

Conflict-resolution skills

Tools

P6

Job description

Title

Project Controls – Planner

Reporting To

Office Leader/Manager

Location

Candidate will be on site in Northern Indiana up to 4 days per week.

Overview Of Role

In this role, the Pull Planner will play a central role in coordinating, facilitating, and maintaining the Last Planner® System for a large‑scale construction project located in Indiana. This is a full‑time, on‑site position requiring weekly presence at the project location for the next 12 months, with the potential to extend up to 24 months based on project needs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and experienced in Lean construction practices.

Essential Functions

Planning & Scheduling

• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of pull plans, phase plans, and weekly work plans.
• Facilitate planning sessions with trade partners, superintendents, and project managers to ensure accurate sequencing and reliable commitments.
• Translate pull‑planning outputs into detailed look‑ahead schedules and work with the scheduler for constraint logs.
• Monitor schedule performance and proactively identify risks, conflicts, and opportunities for improvement.

Coordination & Communication

• Conduct weekly on‑site planning meetings with all trade partners.
• Ensure alignment between field teams, project management, and leadership regarding schedule expectations and workflow.
• Maintain clear documentation of commitments, constraints, and plan updates to provide to scheduler on site.
• Support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the project team.

Lean Construction & Planner System Implementation

• Champion Lean principles and ensure consistent application of the Planner System.
• Track Percent Plan Complete (PPC), reasons for variance, and other key performance indicators.
• Coach trade partners and internal teams on Lean behaviors, planning discipline, and reliable promising.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance workflow reliability and productivity.

Project Support

• Collaborate with project leadership to align planning activities with overall project milestones.
• Assist with reporting, forecasting, and schedule‑related communication to stakeholders.
• Support field teams in resolving constraints and maintaining steady workflow.

Qualifications

• 5‑7 years of experience in construction planning, scheduling, or Lean facilitation (Pull Planning experience required).
• Strong understanding of Planner Systems and Lean construction methodologies.
• Experience working directly with trade partners and field teams.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools (e.g., P6).
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to work on‑site in Indiana weekly for the duration of the project (1–2 years).
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable leading collaborative planning sessions.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Full‑time role with consistent weekly on‑site presence in Indiana (4 days per week minimum).
• Travel may be required depending on candidate's location (All travel expenses covered).
• Project duration expected to be 12 months, with the potential for an extension to 24 months.
• Indoor office environment. May require work on‑site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring, and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above‑listed items.