Senior Planner
Senior Planner (Heavy Civils – Rail)
Location: Manchester
Type: Full Time
Red Sky Personnel is representing a leading infrastructure contractor delivering major rail and heavy civils projects across West London and the surrounding Home Counties. Due to continued project growth, our client is seeking an experienced Senior Planner with a strong background in heavy civil engineering and rail infrastructure to join their Manchester-based delivery team.
This is a hands-on planning role working closely with site teams on complex structural and civils works within a live rail environment. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and managing detailed programmes to ensure large-scale engineering works are delivered safely, efficiently, and within strict possession windows.
The Senior Planner will be responsible for coordinating large-scale construction activities including major plant movements, structural installations, and ground engineering works while ensuring alignment between subcontractors, site teams, and commercial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and manage detailed Primavera P6 programmes that account for complex construction sequences, long-lead plant requirements, and temporary works
Coordinate heavy civils activities including structural installations, piling, and major concrete works within restricted rail possession periods
Work alongside the access and delivery teams to maximise productivity during limited track-access windows
Utilise BIM and 4D planning tools to visualise construction sequencing and identify potential spatial or logistical conflicts
Monitor programme performance using Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques to provide accurate forecasting and cost-to-complete data
Integrate and manage programmes from specialist civils subcontractors within the master project schedule
Support project teams by clearly communicating construction sequencing and programme impacts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Technical Skills & Competencies
Expert knowledge of Primavera P6 programme management
Experience delivering planning services on heavy civils projects such as bridges, tunnelling, embankments, or station works
Strong understanding of UK rail project environments including access constraints and staging works
Experience working within Network Rail frameworks and rail infrastructure delivery environments
Familiarity with linear planning tools such as TILOS is highly desirable
Experience utilising BIM and 4D modelling for programme development and construction sequencing
Strong understanding of Earned Value Management and programme performance reporting
Behavioural Competencies
Strong communicator capable of translating complex construction sequencing into clear information for site teams and stakeholders
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple programme interfaces and constraints
Collaborative approach, working closely with engineering, commercial, and delivery teams
Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments where programme precision is critical
Qualifications, Certifications & Experience
Extensive experience working as a Planner or Senior Planner on heavy civil engineering projects
Experience working within the UK rail sector and understanding of the PACE/GRIP project lifecycle
Civil Engineering or Construction related background, ideally with previous site or engineering experience
Proven ability to manage complex construction programmes within large infrastructure projects
If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please get in touch