Principal Planner

Description

As part of Laing O'Rourke's growing Power Sector, you'll play a key role in shaping this nationally significant programme of works.

• Implement and maintain Project Controls with accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Integrated delivery: Work directly with our in-house specialists – from structures and MEP to plant hire and off-site manufacturing – applying real build logic rather than subcontractor dates.
• Lead and coordinate planning and programme management from tender through delivery.
• Develop and maintain robust, logic-linked construction programmes.
• Mentor and develop planning team members and drive process improvement.
• Provide expert input on construction sequencing, methodology, and resourcing.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and project requirements.
• Foster collaboration across design, engineering, and delivery teams to achieve milestones.

Requirements

For the next 1–2 years, you'll be based at our Birmingham project hub, joining an established planning team supporting projects through ECI and PCSA pre-construction stages. We're flexible on where you live – but you'll need to travel to Birmingham around 3–4 days per week.

We're looking for experienced Senior or Principal Planners to join our Power Sector team, supporting the 10-year Great Grid Upgrade framework.

• Experience across the full project lifecycle – from pre-construction to delivery.
• A strong understanding of NEC contracts and commercial awareness.
• A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Planning matters: Your insight shapes strategy and drives delivery.
• The ability to lead, mentor, and influence across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven planning experience on major infrastructure projects (£300m+) – ideally in the power or energy sector.
• Chartered status (CIOB, ICE) or working towards it.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 (ASTA and 4D modelling advantageous).

Benefits

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.

As projects move into delivery (from 2027 onwards), you'll transition to a site-based role with hybrid working options. Initial delivery projects include schemes from Grimsby to Spalding (East Coast) and Chesterfield to Willington (East Midlands).

We offer a competitive remuneration package (base salary + car/travel allowance) with access to Private Medical Insurance; enhanced pension and parental leave schemes; Life/Dental/Critical illness insurance and income protection; 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays + 1 paid day for volunteering; professional development opportunities and more!

Location: Birmingham (Project Hub) – with hybrid working and national travel

• Career growth: Our structured career toolkits and leadership support put your progression front and center.
• A collaborative community: Join a 130+ strong national planning team with shared standards, mentorship, and support.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance