Long-Term Freelance
Assignment Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead Planner to support the delivery of the Immingham Port marine infrastructure project. This is a strategic planning role rather than a purely Primavera "operator" position.
The project already has a planner in place who is capable of maintaining programmes and inputting progress, but the business requires someone with the experience and credibility to lead the planning function, drive programme strategy and provide senior-level planning support to the Project Director.
The initial contract is expected to be 6–9 months, with a strong likelihood of extension as other marine opportunities progress through the business.
Role Purpose
The successful planner will effectively sit above the existing project planner, taking ownership of the overall programme strategy while allowing the existing planner to manage day-to-day programme maintenance.
The role's focus:
Owning the master programme and programme strategy.
Developing programme narratives for client submissions.
Ensuring programmes reflect construction methodology and contractual obligations.
Producing recovery programmes where required.
Supporting package managers with short-term look-ahead programmes.
Coordinating planning information from subcontractors and the supply chain.
Driving early warning identification and programme risk mitigation.
Providing strategic planning input to the senior leadership team.
This is a role for someone who can challenge construction teams, influence package managers and communicate confidently with senior project stakeholders.
Reporting Structure
The Lead Planner will report directly into the Project Director, although there is the potential for the role to move under the central Project Controls function as the project develops.
Current structure includes:
Project Director
Central Project Controls Lead
Existing Site Planner (responsible for programme maintenance and reporting)
Lead Planner (new hire) providing strategic oversight
What is Needed
This is not a requirement for another Primavera technician.
Someone Suitable can:
Think strategically rather than simply update programmes.
Produce high-quality programme narratives.
Align programmes with contractual work information.
Lead planning discussions with the client.
Coordinate planning across multiple work packages.
Mentor and guide the existing planner.
Work closely with the supply chain to improve programme certainty.
The existing planner is viewed as competent from a systems perspective but lacks the experience to lead the planning function independently.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The strongest candidates are likely to have:
Lead Planner experience on major heavy civil engineering projects.
Exposure to marine infrastructure (ideally 1–2 years minimum).
Significant heavy civils experience beyond marine.
Experience working with Tier 1 contractors.
Strong understanding of construction methodology.
Confidence presenting programmes to clients.
Excellent stakeholder management skills.
A personable, collaborative approach.
Marine experience is desirable, but Dragados place greater value on someone with a strong heavy civils background who understands how marine projects operate.
Key Technical Experience
Preferred backgrounds:
Ports
Marine terminals
Quays
Jetties
Piling works
Cofferdams
Heavy reinforced concrete structures
Earthworks
Major infrastructure delivery
Understanding the operational challenges of working in live marine environments is considered important.
Commercial Details
Location: Immingham
Contract Length: 6–9 months initially
Rate: £550–650/day (all-inclusive), dependent on experience
Accommodation: Lodge support may be available for candidates living away.
Site Presence: Preference is for someone who can be onsite regularly (effectively daily initially), particularly while supporting and developing the existing planner. Longer term, there may be flexibility around reporting periods, but this is expected to be a highly visible site-based role.
Wider Pipeline
This appointment sits within a broader pipeline of marine work, creating potential follow-on opportunities beyond Immingham.
Current opportunities include:
Associated British Ports (ABP) – ongoing live pipeline.
Port Talbot – progressing positively.
Solent – active opportunity.
The intention is to build planning capability that can transfer across future marine schemes as projects commence. No work is guaranteed yet. The right person will almost likely be kept on to reinforce other projects across UK and Ireland
Key messages:
Strategic planning position.
Opportunity to shape programme delivery rather than simply maintain schedules.
Direct exposure to Project Director.
Major Tier 1 marine infrastructure project.
Strong likelihood of follow-on opportunities within Dragados' expanding marine portfolio.
Suitable for planners who enjoy influencing delivery teams, engaging with clients and leading programme strategy rather than purely operating Primavera
Salary description
£550.00 - £600.00 per day