Senior / Lead Planner (Major Construction Project)

Job Title Senior / Lead Planner (Major Construction Project) – Rider Levett Bucknall RLB Position Details Department: Project Management Location: London-based with regular travel to Midlands site Title: Lead Planner Seniority: Senior Associate / Partner Discipline: Project Controls & Scheduling Project: Confidential Major Project subject to signed NDA Why RLB? At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow, which are the heart of our culture. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance through a tailored training programme, mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes, and benefit from a flexible, inclusive culture that prioritises family‑friendly policies and employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally. Role Overview Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has been appointed as a strategic delivery partner for a major UK development programme, currently operating under a Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA). The programme includes complex infrastructure and vertical development with significant interfaces across national transport and utility networks. RLB’s commission spans two core functions: Programme‑Wide PMO and Project Controls – We lead the overarching Programme Management Office (PMO), providing governance, assurance, and performance oversight across all packages, including programme controls and reporting, risk and change management, and deployment of digital tools and IT solutions to support delivery. Integrated Delivery Services – For each individual package, we provide a multidisciplinary team delivering project management, cost management, procurement, design management, health and safety advisory, and contract administration. RLB’s approach is underpinned by a turnkey programme delivery solution, combining technical leadership with digital innovation. This includes programme control tools, BIM‑aligned information management, structured reporting frameworks, and robust change control processes. Role Responsibilities Lead a team responsible for the comprehensive planning, scheduling, and coordination of construction projects from inception to completion. Responsible for the creation and maintenance of master programme schedule. Lead interface with the Client’s planning department to coordinate interfacing work packages, advising on construction activities, timelines and expected sequencing. Work collaboratively with project managers, constructability managers, contractors, engineers, architects, and clients to create and maintain project schedules, monitor progress and implement strategies to overcome obstacles. Collaborate with project stakeholders to support development of detailed project plans, outlining activities, timelines, and critical milestones. Coordinate with resource managers to review/allocate labour, equipment, and materials according to project requirements. Identify potential risks and bottlenecks in project schedules and develop contingency plans to minimise impact on timelines. Generate regular progress reports presenting project status, key metrics, and forecasting potential challenges to senior management and stakeholders. Collaborate with contractors, architects, engineers, and project managers to integrate their inputs into the project planning process. Candidate Profile Qualifications Construction‑related degree or a similar construction related qualification. Experience Significant experience in delivering projects as either a consultant or client‑side Project Planner. Significant experience working on large programmes with multiple work package interfaces. Proficiency in project management software and tools (Asta PowerProjects and/or Primavera P6). In‑depth knowledge of construction project management principles, techniques, and best practices. Experience scheduling projects from conception through to completion (RIBA stage 1–5). Behaviours Recognised as a client‑focused, positive collaborator who shares knowledge freely and offers support to peers and seniors. Recognised as a team player with a strong willingness to learn. Expertise in project management with keen attention to detail. Strong communication skills essential, coupled with the ability to interface with multiple stakeholders requiring outputs in varied formats. Demonstrates a positive, proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence with good commercial results. RLB Employee Benefits Hybrid Working – patterns to support work‑life balance, competitive maternity and paternity packages. Well‑Rewarded – competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement with the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days. Personal Development – continuous learning and development programme, including APC and in‑house mentoring schemes. Additional Benefits – professional membership subscriptions and a wide range of other benefits. Exceptional Exposure – opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions. Social Responsibility – team and social events, charity fundraising and volunteering activities. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Find out more here: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - RLB | Europe. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com #J-18808-Ljbffr