Freelance Planner

Freelance Planner Ipswich | Site Based | Ongoing Contract | Outside IR35

About the Company Our client is an established civil engineering contractor delivering infrastructure and complex construction projects across the UK. Due to ongoing project requirements in Suffolk, they are looking to strengthen their team with an experienced freelance Planner.

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Planner to join a major project in Suffolk. This position requires someone from a strong civil engineering background, ideally with previous operational experience within engineering before moving into planning. You will take responsibility for the planning and programming function, working closely with project, engineering and commercial teams to develop, maintain and monitor robust construction programmes. Experience across Civils, Infrastructure, RC works, drainage and groundworks is highly desirable, alongside a thorough understanding of how civils projects are actually delivered on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and programming function across the project

• Develop, maintain, review and update detailed construction programmes

• Establish and regularly review the critical path

• Produce realistic construction methodologies and sequences

• Monitor progress against programme and identify potential delays at an early stage

• Provide regular programme updates and supporting information to the project team

• Identify programme constraints, risks and opportunities

• Review construction methods, resources, plant requirements and sequencing

• Carry out resource loading and levelling where required

• Work closely with engineering, operational and commercial teams

• Liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and other key stakeholders

• Produce planning reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

• Support the team with change, delay and programme implications

• Ensure contract programme requirements are understood and maintained throughout project delivery

Experience & Requirements

• Strong civil engineering background is essential

• Previous experience working as a Planner or Senior Planner within civil engineering

• Ideally an engineering background, with previous site experience such as Site Engineer, Senior Engineer or Site Agent

• Strong understanding of RC works, drainage and groundworks

• Excellent understanding of construction sequencing and methodology

• Experience producing and managing detailed construction programmes

• Good understanding of NEC contracts and programme requirements

• Knowledge of delay, change, risk and opportunity from a planning perspective

• Experience working within demanding Tier 1 or Tier 2 contracting environments

• Relevant construction, civil engineering or technical qualification preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of construction planning and programming techniques

• P6 and/or Asta Powerproject experience

• Critical path analysis

• Progress monitoring and programme reporting

• Resource planning and levelling

• Ability to communicate detailed programme information clearly to both operational teams and clients

We are happy to consider Senior and Junior profiles for this role!

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Tabitha Crabtree at Kenton Black