Lead Planner

We have an opportunity for a Lead Planner to join our team in Groningen.

The Lead Planner is responsible for leading the planning function on assigned projects, ensuring programme development, monitoring and control meets project objectives. Reporting to the Regional Planning Manager or Planning Manager, the role provides guidance to project planning teams, supports risk management and resource planning and ensures the timely delivery of project milestones. The Lead Planner integrates planning with commercial, design and construction teams to drive safe, efficient and compliant project execution.

John Sisk & Son have been building excellence as a family‑owned international construction company by offering trust, certainty and value to our clients whilst being at the heart of change.

Programme Development and Management

• Develop, maintain and update project programmes across all phases, including pre‑construction, procurement and construction.
• Ensure programmes reflect the Employer’s Requirements, contractor proposals, contract conditions and project objectives.
• Coordinate with project teams to identify critical paths, dependencies and key milestones.
• Prepare scenario planning, resource‑loaded programmes and recovery plans where required.

Project Controls and Reporting

• Monitor programme progress, identify delays or risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Produce regular programme reports, dashboards and metrics for project stakeholders.
• Support change management processes, including impact analysis of design or scope changes.
• Maintain project baseline and ensure proper documentation of updates and revisions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with project managers, commercial teams, design coordinators and site teams to ensure alignment of programme objectives.
• Present programme updates at project meetings and support senior management in decision‑making.
• Collaborate with subcontractors, clients and consultants to integrate planning requirement.

Risk and Compliance

• Identify programme risks and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, contractual obligations and statutory requirements.
• Support audits and reviews of project controls and planning processes.

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide guidance, support and mentoring to project planning teams.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practice across projects and regions.
• Support the development of junior planners through training and coaching initiatives.

Experience and Skills

• Extensive experience in planning and scheduling within large‑scale construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, processes and project controls.
• Competence in developing and maintaining programmes using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead a planning team and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.

Required Qualifications and Training

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in planning complex construction projects.
• Proficiency in planning software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or similar.

Desirable Qualifications and Training

• Membership of a recognised professional planning body (APM, PMI or equivalent).
• Experience in integrating design, procurement and construction planning.
• Knowledge of programme integration with BIM, cost and risk management systems.

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave
• Pension and benefits
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities
• Much more

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

All recruitment materials comply with legal and regulatory requirements including the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Equality Acts UK and Ireland.