Job Title: Principal Planning Engineer
Location: Manchester
Working Pattern: Full-time, long term contract (Outside of scope of IR35 pending determination)
Clearance: Active SC clearance required
We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Engineer to support a variety of infrastructure projects across the UK. This is a commercially focused role for a proactive and confident planning professional who can lead their own portfolio of project activities while contributing effectively to a wider delivery team.
The role spans both pre- and post-contract phases, supporting the successful execution of projects throughout their full lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead planning functions across multiple projects, in collaboration with the Project Controls Manager.
2. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal delivery teams and external client stakeholders.
3. Provide accurate and detailed scheduling, forecasting, and analysis in line with contract requirements.
4. Monitor schedule performance, manage risks and changes, and recommend mitigation strategies as needed.
5. Work with project and contractor teams to ensure realistic and achievable schedules are developed and maintained.
Essential Skills & Experience:
6. In-depth understanding of the relationship between time, cost, and commercial elements throughout the project lifecycle.
7. Proven ability to manage schedules through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
8. Experience in developing and implementing planning procedures, processes, and reporting mechanisms.
9. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and report on Earned Value metrics.
Desirable:
10. Previous experience in highly regulated sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, or Oil & Gas.
11. Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., ACostE, APM).
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to complex, large-scale infrastructure projects with the autonomy to influence delivery and shape planning strategies.
If you're looking to take the next step in your planning career, apply now or get in touch to learn more.