Planner

Job Title:         Planner
Salary:             Competitive and dependent on experience
Location:         Manchester Head Office with regular travel to project sites                           across the UK
Contract:        Permanent / Full time

About IES
IES Utilities Group is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end multi discipline solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK.

About the Role
IES Utilities Group is seeking an experienced Planner to support the successful delivery of gas infrastructure and utility projects across the UK. The Planner will be responsible for developing, maintaining and reporting on project programmes using Primavera P6, ensuring accurate forecasting of project durations, manpower requirements, resource allocation and cost profiles.

Working closely with operational teams, commercial staff, project managers and clients, the Planner will provide programme management expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from tender stage through to project completion.

The role requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail and the ability to communicate programme performance and project risks effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and manage detailed project programmes using Primavera P6.
• Produce baseline programmes for tenders, pre-construction activities and live projects.
• Develop project schedules incorporating duration, cost and manpower resources.
• Monitor progress against programme and identify programme opportunities and risks.
• Produce resource-loaded and cost-loaded programmes where required.
• Analyse project performance using earned value and programme control techniques.
• Prepare programme updates, recovery plans and mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with Project Managers and delivery teams to ensure programme information accurately reflects site activities.
• Monitor labour, plant and subcontractor resource requirements across multiple projects.
• Forecast manpower, productivity and resource utilisation.
• Support the commercial team with programme-related claims, variations and extensions of time.
• Produce project dashboards, reports and KPI updates for senior management and clients.
• Facilitate programme review meetings and progress workshops.
• Support project teams in developing safe and efficient construction sequences.
• Ensure programme compliance with client requirements, contract obligations and company procedures.
• Assist in preparing project execution plans and delivery strategies.
• Maintain programme records and audit trails throughout project lifecycles.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the planning and project controls function.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Planner within utilities, gas, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors.
• Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6.
• Experience producing resource-loaded and cost-loaded programmes.
• Understanding of project planning methodologies and project controls.
• Experience producing critical path analysis and programme reporting.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and project delivery processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programmes simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Desirable:

• Experience within gas transmission, gas distribution or utility infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Familiarity with Power BI and project reporting tools.
• Experience supporting claims and delay analysis.
• Knowledge of project risk management techniques.

Qualifications

Essential:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Primavera P6 certification or demonstrable advanced user experience.

Desirable:

• APM Qualification.
• Project Controls certification.
• NEC accreditation.
• Relevant utility industry qualifications.

Key Competencies

• Planning and Organising
• Commercial Awareness
• Attention to Detail
• Leadership and Influencing Skills
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Time Management

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to Manchester Head Office and project sites across the UK.
• Occasional overnight stays may be required depending on project location and operational requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Long-term and stable career opportunities.
• Exposure to major utility and infrastructure projects across the UK.
• Professional development and ongoing training support.
• Opportunity to work within a growing and ambitious engineering business.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment focused on safety, quality and innovation.
• Clear progression pathways into Senior Engineering, Design Management and Technical Leadership roles.