Lead Planner

🏗️ Lead Planner – £150m New Build | Tier 1 Contractor | Critical Infrastructure

📍 Location: Suffolk
🏢 Main Contractor: Tier 1 (UK-wide presence)
💼 Project Type: Critical Infrastructure – New Build Construction
💰 Salary: Competitive + Full Package (Car Allowance, Pension, Bonus, Healthcare)
📅 Start Date: ASAP / Q4 2025

The Opportunity

A Tier 1 main contractor delivering a high-profile £150m new build construction project in Norwich is seeking an experienced Lead Planner to oversee the full project planning lifecycle.

This is a flagship project with significant complexity, requiring a forward-thinking planner to develop, monitor, and report on programme performance while driving collaboration between operational teams, design, commercial, and supply chain partners.

You’ll play a critical role in strategic planning, ensuring accurate sequencing, risk management, and programme delivery in line with client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain a fully resourced, logic-linked programme using Primavera P6
• Collaborate closely with project teams to provide short-, medium-, and long-term planning visibility
• Identify programme risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies
• Challenge and validate subcontractor programmes and integrate them into the master schedule
• Lead progress reporting and present updates to senior management and stakeholders
• Support change management processes, ensuring accurate reflection in the programme
• Work alongside design and engineering teams to align design deliverables with construction sequencing
• Provide coaching and guidance to junior planners and operational teams on planning best practice

Ideal Candidate

• Experienced Lead Planner with a strong track record on major construction projects (£50m+)
• Proficient in Primavera P6 with excellent programme logic and reporting skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to challenge and influence project teams and subcontractors
• Background in complex build environments such as critical infrastructure, healthcare, or large commercial schemes
• Comfortable leading planning strategy for multi-zone, high-value projects
• Qualifications:
• HNC/Degree in Construction Management or related discipline (preferred)
• Proficient in Primavera P6 (essential)
• CSCS (Black or White Card minimum)
• Membership of APM or CIOB (desirable)

What's On Offer

• Opportunity to lead planning on a flagship £150m new build scheme
• Join a well-established Tier 1 contractor with a strong regional pipeline
• Competitive salary + full benefits package including car allowance, pension, bonus, and healthcare
• Career development and support to progress into senior leadership positions
  

📨 Apply Now
To apply or request further information, please send your CV and a short covering note to Casey at c.robertsbaxter@smart4epc.com or call on 02036573167.