Project Planner - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Who are we?

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.

Project Planner Job Purpose:

The Construction Project Planner is responsible for the development, monitoring and management of project programmes across multiple groundworks and civil engineering projects. The role will ensure projects are accurately planned, resourced, monitored and reported to support safe, efficient and profitable delivery.

Working closely with Pre-Construction Manager, Commercial Manager, Contracts Managers, Site Managers, and Clients, the Planner will create robust construction programmes, identify risks and opportunities, monitor progress against key milestones, efficiently deal with change management, and provide regular reporting to senior management.

The role plays a critical part in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with contractual obligations.

Responsibilities for Project Planner - Civil Engineering:

Project Planning & Programming

• Develop comprehensive project programmes using industry-standard planning software.
• Produce NEC compliant programmes
• Determine scalable outputs for self-delivered works.
• Produce tender, construction, target and recovery programmes.
• Establish project critical paths and identify programme risks.
• Develop resource requirements aligned to construction programmes.
• Prepare look-ahead programmes
• Assist operational teams in sequencing works for optimum productivity.

Programme Management

• Monitor progress against agreed baselines.
• Update project programmes using actual site progress information.
• Analyse programme performance and identify delays or slippage.
• Recommend mitigation and recovery measures where required.
• Support monthly project reviews through accurate programme reporting.
• Track key milestones and contractual completion dates.

Site & Operational Support

• Attend site visits and project progress meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Contracts Managers and Site Teams.
• Provide planning support for complex groundworks and civil engineering packages.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and project efficiencies.
• Support mobilisation and sequencing of plant, labour and subcontract resources.

Reporting

• Produce weekly and monthly programme reports.
• Generate progress updates for senior management and clients.
• Present programme performance at operational review meetings.
• Provide earned value and progress analysis where required.
• Maintain programme dashboards and KPI reporting systems.

Commercial & Contractual Support

• Assist Commercial Teams with extension of time submissions.
• Provide supporting programme evidence for contractual claims.
• Demonstrate the impact of variations and compensation events.
• Support dispute avoidance through robust programme management.
• Monitor and report programme-related commercial risks.

Tender & Pre-Construction Support

• Assist estimating and bid teams in developing tender programmes.
• Review proposed construction methodologies.
• Assess construction durations and resource requirements.
• Provide planning input during bid submissions and client presentations.
• Preparing phasing plans, logistic plans, and methodology statements to support tender submissions.
• Support project handovers from pre-construction into operations.

Typical Project Types

The successful candidate will provide planning support for:

• Housing infrastructure projects
• Groundworks
• Roads and sewers works
• Earthworks and bulk excavation
• Drainage and utilities
• Commercial developments
• Industrial developments
• Retaining structures
• Public realm works
• Ground remediation projects
• Civil engineering

Skills & Experience for Project Planner - Construction

Essential

• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and methodologies.
• Experience producing and managing construction programmes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Asta Powerproject, Primavera
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret drawings and technical information.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• At least 5 years previous experience within Groundworks or Civil Engineering.
• HNC/HND or Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Membership of CIOB, ICE or APM.
• Knowledge of NEC and JCT contract environments.
• Understanding of delay analysis and extension of time processes.

Key Competencies

• Planning and organisation
• Commercial awareness
• Attention to detail
• Communication and influencing skills
• Data analysis and reporting
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Decision making
• Collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset

What can we offer you as Construction Project Planner?

• Life Assurance Scheme
• Free on-site Parking
• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
• Earn Additional Annual Leave with Length of Service
• Corporate gym membership discount
• Annual Salary Review
• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
• Progression opportunities
• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

What are our core values?

If these values align with yours you are in the right place!

Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.

Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.

Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.

Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.

Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.

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