Lead Planning Engineer

Lead Planning Engineer

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Hybrid Working - typically 2 days per week onsite in Warwick with UK Travel Required

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Initial 6 month duration with views to extend long term

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Want to play a key role in delivering the UK's clean energy future?

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Our client is at the forefront of the energy transition, investing in major hydrogen and net zero infrastructure programmes that will help decarbonise the UK's energy network for generations to come.

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We're seeking an experienced Lead Planning Engineer to join a growing Major Programmes team and lead planning activities across a portfolio of nationally significant infrastructure projects.

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This is a fantastic opportunity to work on complex, high-profile programmes where you'll have the autonomy to influence strategy, shape delivery approaches, and drive project success from the earliest stages of development.

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About the Role

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As the Lead Planning Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining and assuring integrated project schedules across a major infrastructure portfolio.

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This is not a traditional planning role focused on maintaining existing programmes.

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You'll be creating schedules from the ground up, gathering information from multiple stakeholders, contractors and project teams, and transforming that information into integrated, logical master programmes that drive decision-making and delivery.

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You'll act as the lead planning authority across multiple projects, providing expert guidance on programme performance, risk, change management and recovery strategies.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Develop and manage integrated master schedules across major infrastructure and energy projects.
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• Create detailed Primavera P6 programmes from project scope, planning assumptions and stakeholder inputs.
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• Undertake critical path analysis, float analysis, baselining and progress monitoring.
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• Lead schedule assurance reviews and maintain compliance with planning standards and governance requirements.
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• Support integrated project controls activities including risk management, earned value management and change control.
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• Conduct programme impact assessments relating to early warnings, change events and delivery risks.
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• Produce dashboards, reports and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
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• Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators, contractors and project controls teams.
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• Manage contractor programme submissions and ensure compliance with NEC contractual requirements.
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• Support and mentor Planning Engineers while driving planning excellence and continuous improvement.
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Skills & Experience Required

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Essential

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Significant planning experience within infrastructure, utilities, energy or other major capital project environments

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Advanced Primavera P6 expertise

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Experience building project programmes from first principles

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Strong understanding of:

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• Critical path analysis
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• Programme baselining
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• Cost-loaded schedules
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• Earned Value Management (EVM)
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• Risk management
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• Change control
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Experience facilitating schedule risk analysis workshops

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Strong understanding of NEC contracts, including:

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• Planning requirements
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• Early Warning processes
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• Compensation Events
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Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

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Full UK Driving Licence

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Membership of a relevant professional body (APM, IET or equivalent)

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Desirable Experience

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• Major infrastructure projects within power, gas, water, rail, highways, airports, renewables or large-scale construction.
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• Design-phase project planning experience.
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• Consultancy background.
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• Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary programmes involving multiple contractors and stakeholders.
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• Knowledge of DCO, consenting or compulsory purchase processes.
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• Experience operating in environments where processes and procedures are still evolving.
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What Makes This Opportunity Different?

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🌱 Work on projects that directly contribute to the UK's net zero ambitions

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🚀 High levels of autonomy and ownership

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🏗 Influence major infrastructure projects from concept through delivery

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🤝 Engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

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💡 Opportunity to develop innovative planning solutions rather than simply maintain existing programmes

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📈 Join a growing programme portfolio with long-term investment and strategic importance

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Interested?

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We're looking for a proactive, self-motivated planning professional who enjoys solving complex problems, building programmes from the ground up, and influencing major project outcomes.

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If you're an experienced Lead Planning Engineer looking for your next challenge in the infrastructure and energy sector, we'd love to hear from you.

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Pontoon is a disability-confident employer. It is important to us that we run an inclusive and accessible recruitment process to support candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. Pontoon is committed to building a supportive environment for you to explore the next steps in your career. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

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We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.