Planner; Engineering

VANRATH are delighted to assist with a major client who are undergoing huge success and expansion for a Planner of Works to join a growing and dynamic Group based in their Cookstown HQ.

Job Title:
Planner of Works
Location: Cookstown HQ
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Reporting to: Operations Director
Division: Operations

About the Role

A growing organisation within the engineering and construction sector is seeking a skilled Planner of Works to support the successful delivery of a diverse range of infrastructure projects. This is a key role for an experienced planning professional who is confident working across the full project lifecycle - from tender through to project completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development & Management: Create, manage, and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Ensure all plans align with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Resource Planning: Allocate and optimise labour, plant, and material resources to meet programme deadlines and maximise efficiency.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor project progress against baseline programmes. Identify and report risks, delays, and deviations, and produce accurate updates, forecasts, recovery strategies, and Earned Value analyses.
• Coordination & Communication: Work closely with design, engineering, commercial, and site teams - including contractors and subcontractors - to ensure integrated and achievable project plans.
• Risk & Change Management: Evaluate the time impact of design and scope changes. Conduct time-risk analyses and develop mitigation strategies to minimise disruption.
• Contract Compliance: Ensure all planning activities adhere to NEC contract principles, internal procedures, and industry best practices.
• Software Utilisation: Use Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project to manage dependencies, critical paths, resource/cost loading, and reporting.
• Tender Support: Assist in the preparation of tender programmes and related planning documentation to support business development efforts.

Essential Criteria

• A relevant qualification in an engineering discipline.
• Proven experience as a Project Planner or Planner of Works within the construction or engineering sectors.
• Strong knowledge of project life cycles, particularly design, delivery, and commissioning phases.
• Proficient in Primavera P6 and MS Project, with the ability to produce and manage complex schedules and reporting outputs.
• Previous experience in the water treatment sector or a related industry.
• Familiarity with NEC, FIDIC, or CECA contract mechanisms (advantageous).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with internal and external stakeholders.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package
• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
• Private Health Insurance
• Death in Service benefit
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities