About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join the project team delivering a flagship £250m healthcare development in Hertfordshire as part of the UK New Hospital Programme (NHP). Working for a Tier 1 main contractor, you will play a critical role in developing, managing and reporting the integrated project programme from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover.
The successful candidate will possess extensive experience planning and controlling large-scale healthcare projects and will be highly proficient in Asta Powerproject. This role requires a proactive planner capable of working closely with project delivery teams, consultants, subcontractors and client representatives to ensure programme certainty across a complex live project environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop, maintain and manage detailed project programmes using Asta Powerproject.
* Produce and maintain integrated design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover programmes.
* Monitor project progress and performance against baseline schedules.
* Undertake critical path analysis and identify programme risks and opportunities.
* Lead programme review meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
* Prepare programme updates, progress reports and dashboards for senior management and client teams.
* Support tender planning, methodology development and logistics sequencing where required.
* Collaborate with project teams to develop mitigation and recovery plans.
* Manage programme change, delay analysis and impact assessments.
* Ensure compliance with NHP requirements, NHS standards and project-specific reporting obligations.
* Interface with design consultants, supply chain partners and client representatives to ensure alignment of programme deliverables.
* Support Earned Value Management (EVM) and project controls processes where applicable.
* Mentor junior planners and contribute to planning best practice across the business.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
* Proven experience as a Senior Planner or Planner on major construction projects valued in excess of £100m
* Demonstrable experience delivering complex healthcare projects, including acute hospitals, healthcare campuses or major NHS developments
* Strong understanding of healthcare construction, commissioning and phased handover requirements
* Advanced user of Asta Powerproject
* Knowledge of NEC contracts and programme requirements
* Experience working for a Tier 1 main contractor
* Strong knowledge of construction sequencing, procurement planning and project controls
* Ability to undertake critical path and delay analysis
* Experience producing executive-level programme reports and presentations
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Strong commercial awareness and understanding of programme implications on project performance
Desirable
* Experience working within BIM-enabled projects
* Membership of a relevant professional body (APM, CIOB or equivalent)
* Primavera P6 knowledge
* Experience of digital construction and modern methods of construction (MMC)
Qualifications
* Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Controls or a related discipline
* Professional planning or project management qualifications advantageous
* CSCS card appropriate to role
Personal Attributes
* Collaborative and team-oriented approach
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Excellent attention to detail
* Ability to influence and challenge constructively
* Resilient and capable of operating within a fast-paced major project environment
* Proactive mindset with a focus on delivering programme certainty
Package
* Competitive salary
* Car allowance or company vehicle
* Annual bonus
* Private healthcare
* Pension contribution
* Life assurance
* Professional development and career progression opportunities
Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to join one of the UK's most significant healthcare infrastructure programmes and contribute to the successful delivery of a major new hospital that will serve the community for generations to come.