Lead Planner
Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Planner to support the successful delivery of major projects. The role will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing integrated project schedules throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring robust planning processes are in place to support effective project execution and delivery.
Working closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and key stakeholders, the Lead Planner will provide schedule analysis, progress reporting, forecasting, and planning expertise across complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and manage integrated project schedules using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
- Establish project planning and scheduling standards, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Support project teams through all project phases including Concept, FEED, Detailed Design, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and Handover.
- Monitor project progress and performance against approved baselines.
- Conduct critical path analysis and identify schedule risks and opportunities.
- Produce regular progress reports, schedule updates, and forecasting information for project stakeholders.
- Facilitate planning and schedule review meetings with project teams and contractors.
- Assess contractor schedules and challenge assumptions where necessary.
- Support change management processes by evaluating the schedule impact of proposed changes.
- Develop mitigation and recovery plans where schedule deviations are identified.
- Ensure alignment between project schedules, cost forecasts, and resource plans.
- Provide planning input to project governance and stage-gate reviews.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in project planning and scheduling within major capital projects.
- Proven experience in a Lead Planner or Senior Planner capacity.
- Strong knowledge of project controls, scheduling methodologies, and planning best practices.
- Advanced Primavera P6 experience is essential.
- Experience working within complex, multi-disciplinary project environments.
- Understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles would be advantageous.
- Experience supporting major projects within energy, oil & gas, infrastructure, renewables, utilities, or industrial sectors preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to challenge constructively and influence project teams.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project controls systems.
Key Deliverables
- Integrated project schedules.
- Progress measurement and reporting.
- Critical path and schedule analysis.
- Forecasting and milestone tracking.
- Schedule risk assessments.
- Recovery and mitigation plans.
- Project controls reporting and governance support.