Project Planner

Volker Highways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities. We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in‑house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in‑house contracts.

This role supports the delivery of our Highway maintenance contracts across Slough, providing clear, accurate and well‑structured planning and programme management. You'll maintain oversight of all programme activity, working closely with the Project Manager to define methodology, sequencing and overall delivery strategy. With a strong understanding of construction methods and outputs, you'll confidently challenge and refine construction logic to ensure robust, achievable programmes.

You'll also ensure all weekly and monthly progress monitoring and reporting processes are completed in line with company standards.

Volker Highways is under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within Volker Wessels UK, Volker Highways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, Volker Wessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

Volker Wessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.

• Comply with the Contract requirements, monitor and update the programme throughout the life of the project and report on progress.
• Work with the project team to develop the overall project programme for all stages – design, procurement, build and handover, with a clearly defined critical path and key milestone dates.
• Identify and highlight items and activities that would form a critical path.
• Assist the project team in developing short‑term look‑ahead programmes to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Identify opportunities for early completion and advise the project team.
• Change management through the programme – assessment of Compensation events and their effect on the programme.
• Ensure that the logic‑linked Construction programme is issued and agreed.
• Set up meetings, discuss and present to the team and client any changes to programmes.
• Ensure all reports for internal and external use are produced and submitted at the required time.
• Liaise with subcontractors and project supervisors to ensure programmes are received, checked and incorporated into the main overall programme in the correct timescales.
• Ensure all programmes are stored correctly for future reference.
• Co‑ordinate with Local Authorities and other third parties.
• Assist in the creation of production outputs for future reference when developing programmes.
• Produce programmes with quants and output rates.
• Develop “What‑If” programmes to assess alternatives.
• Provide feedback to enable the development of planning procedures.
• Represent the company and enhance its reputation by attending progress meetings, developing relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, meeting staff from other divisions and attending presentations by/to the client for new opportunities and tenders.

• Relevant construction or civil engineering qualifications (desirable).
• Experience in highways construction environments.
• Competent user of Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project.
• Ideally 5 years’ experience in a dedicated Planning role.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, especially change management.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing and presenting.
• Confident with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement.
• CSCS card holder.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurant vouchers, rewards and discounts
• Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training
• Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service