Lead Planners; Mechanical, Electrical, HVAC

Lead the planning strategy for one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects

We are seeking an experienced Lead Exec Planner to join our team on a full-time, site-based basis at Hinkley Point C. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished planning professional to oversee the integrated planning function across Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC disciplines, ensuring the successful delivery of one of Europe's most significant nuclear new-build projects.

Our client is offering Inside IR35 12 Month Contracts + Extensions or Permanent Contracts for the Lead Exec Planner position.

As the Lead Planner, you will provide strategic leadership for project planning, working closely with senior project leadership, construction, engineering and project controls teams to develop and maintain an integrated programme that supports safe, efficient and on‑time project delivery.

Reporting to the Project Controls Manager or Project Director, you will lead a team of discipline planners and be responsible for the overall planning strategy across multiple work streams. You will ensure programmes are fully integrated, risks are identified early, and planning best practices are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.

This role requires exceptional leadership, programme management expertise and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders across a complex, multidisciplinary environment.

• Lead the planning function across Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC work streams.
• Develop, maintain and oversee the integrated project programme using Primavera P6.
• Provide strategic planning leadership to ensure alignment across engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning activities.
• Manage and mentor a team of discipline planners, promoting consistency, collaboration and best practice.
• Work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, Construction Managers and Project Controls teams to ensure programme objectives are achieved.
• Monitor programme performance, identifying critical path activities, schedule risks and delivery constraints.
• Develop recovery programmes and mitigation strategies to address delays and maximise project performance.
• Lead programme reviews and present schedule updates, progress reports and key performance indicators to senior stakeholders.
• Support change management by assessing programme impacts and maintaining programme integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning processes, systems and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, project governance and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring planning activities support the safe execution of all works.

You are an experienced planning leader with a proven track record of managing integrated programmes on major engineering or construction projects. You have the leadership skills to coordinate multiple disciplines while maintaining a clear focus on project delivery.

You will ideally have:

• Extensive planning experience within nuclear, power generation, major infrastructure, construction, engineering or energy sectors.
• Proven experience leading planning teams on large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC installation programmes and their interfaces.
• Advanced expertise in Primavera P6 and integrated project scheduling.
• Excellent understanding of project controls, critical path analysis, earned value management and schedule risk analysis.
• Experience managing planning resources and developing high‑performing teams.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of an organisation.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• The ability to make informed decisions within a complex and fast‑paced project environment.

• Previous experience delivering planning services on nuclear or other highly regulated projects.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and major project delivery frameworks.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Membership of a recognised…