Overview:
At John Sisk & Son, we’re more than a construction company, we’re a family-owned business with a global reach, committed to building excellence in every project. We deliver trust, certainty and value to our clients while embracing innovation and shaping the future of construction.
The Senior Planner leads the planning and project controls function across the business, setting standards and ensuring consistency in pre-construction and construction phases. This role supports delivery excellence through accurate programme development, progress monitoring, risk management, and reporting to senior management and the Board.
Responsibilities:
Programme Development & Control
- Lead the development of baseline contract programmes covering design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring logic links and critical path are clear.
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Prepare construction target programmes to identify improvements and efficiencies compared to contract programmes.
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Develop tender event programmes for subcontractor procurement, integrating design release and lead-in activities.
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Maintain accurate programme documentation within a Common Data Environment (CDE).
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Produce 4D graphical models and/or 2D phasing plans to illustrate build sequence, logistics and phasing.
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Identify programme risks and opportunities, applying mitigation measures, float and time risk allowances.
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Collaborate with project teams to develop construction methodologies that demonstrate sequencing and techniques.
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Support preparation of preliminaries documentation including staffing, logistics and temporary works.
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Engage with the supply chain to develop programme inputs, including design deliverables, lead-in times, construction durations, plant, and labour needs.
Reporting, Progress & As-Built Information
- Develop and manage tracking schedules to monitor subcontractor programmes.
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Maintain and update as-built programmes, highlighting variances from baseline.
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Input into change requests, advising on programme impacts to facilitate approvals.
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Validate and track progress using output rates and provide feedback to inform future tenders.
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Undertake peer reviews of planners’ programmes to ensure consistency and quality.
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Use 4D/2D planning tools to represent current progress visually.
Management & Leadership
- Provide regular updates to Regional Planners and report programme positions at monthly contract reviews.
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Lead programme reporting weekly and monthly in coordination with project management teams.
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Manage, mentor, and support assistant and graduate planners, conducting performance and development reviews.
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Ensure the quality and accuracy of planning outputs produced by project and site teams.
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Benchmark programme periods using subcontractor input, historic data and project consultation.
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Lead planning and programme management duties during both pre-construction and site phases.
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Contribute to assessment of programme entitlements under contract conditions (e.g., NEC, JCT).
Experience:
Essential
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Proven experience in construction planning, with a successful track record of programme management on live projects.
- Advanced knowledge of planning software (preferably ASTA Powerproject) and programme reporting tools.
- Strong understanding of UK and EU contract frameworks, including NEC and JCT.
- Excellent IT skills and the ability to manage planning data in a collaborative digital environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of engaging with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
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Ability to manage, mentor, and develop junior colleagues.
- Knowledge of industry best practice in planning and programme management.
Desirable
- Experience using Synchro and 4D planning tools to their full potential.
- Knowledge of BIM processes and collaborative data environments (CDEs).
- Experience producing or reviewing 2D and 4D phasing models.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct peer reviews and ensure programme quality across multiple projects.
- Evidence of continuous professional development (e.g., attending construction best practice events).
Qualifications:
Essential
- Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
- Certification or training in planning and programme software (e.g., ASTA Powerproject).
Desirable
- Membership (or working towards membership) of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIOB, ICE, APM).
- Advanced training in ASTA Powerproject (e.g., progress analysis, S-curve reporting, resource management).
- Training in contract management (NEC, JCT).
- Training in Synchro, BIM and collaborative data environments.
- Training in people management and presentation techniques.
Additional Information:
- Competitive salary
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26 days annual leave
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Pension and benefits
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Unlimited learning and development opportunities
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Much more
Our People and Recruitment Commitment
At Sisk Group our people are at the heart of our success. We offer the chance to work with purpose, build a career with no limits and be part of a great team.
All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited contact or speculative CVs from unapproved agencies will not be accepted and no introductory fees will apply.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.
We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can stop talented candidates applying. You do not need to meet every criterion – your skills and potential matter. Don’t hold back we want to hear from you.
All recruitment materials comply with legal and regulatory requirements including the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Equality Acts UK and Ireland.
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