Project Planner – “Big project thinking. Small company feel.” HS2

Project Planner – “Big project thinking. Small company feel.” HS2

There’s planning… and then there’s real planning.

The kind where a week of rain can wipe out your schedule, a design tweak can move a drainage run by 50 metres, and you’re the only one in the room who spots it before it costs six figures.

That’s the world this Tier 2 contractor lives in — and they’re looking for a Project Planner who speaks fluent civil engineering, not just software.

You’ll be part of one of the region’s major HS2 packages — structures, earthworks, drainage, highways interfaces — the kind of work that gets engineers leaning over drawings again. The tools? Sure, you’ll use the usual toys: P6, MS Project, Excel. But if that’s all you bring you won’t be a fit.

What they really need is someone who gets buildability, sequence, and value — who can sit with a Site Agent, understand the constraints, and spot smarter, safer, cheaper ways to deliver. Someone who knows the weather isn’t an excuse — it’s a variable — and plans accordingly.

You’ll report to a Planning Manager who still remembers what a setting-out pin looks like. He wants someone who can challenge politely, collaborate intelligently, and take real ownership of the programme — not hide behind it.

The company?
A well-established Tier 2 with a strong reputation on HS2 and wider civils work — big enough for landmark projects, small enough that the MD still knows who you are.
No ivory towers. No endless hierarchy. Just an open-door policy and senior managers who actually listen when you’ve got a better idea.

Career-wise, the path’s clear.
They’re growing their planning function, which means this isn’t a dead-end reporting role — it’s a genuine route to Senior Planner within a couple of projects. If you’ve ever wanted to help shape how planning’s done, this is the time.

You’ll need a civil engineering background — Degree. HNC or equivalent experience — and a few years’ site exposure as a minimum before you ever touched a programme. So you’ll have been and Engineer, Sub Agent or Agent first…

And on the back of that…

You’ll understand how value engineering really works, how sequencing decisions affect temporary works and cost, and why a well-timed pour can make or break a week.

The role will predominantly site based in Warwickshire with an office base in the West Midands.

Package’s strong, but what sells it is the balance — high-profile project, decent hours, and a business that hasn’t lost its sense of humour.

If you’re tired of colouring in Gantt charts for people who don’t read them — and fancy working somewhere your judgement actually matters — this one’s worth a quiet conversation.

So what are you waiting for get in touch – everyone who does will get a response.

Don’t worry if you haven’t got an up to date CV – it’s not important for now.

Now the diversity bit (wait for it)…

Civils Senior Talent and our partner clients are equal opportunity employers.