Planning Lead

Role Overview

WiiGroup is looking to hire a Planning Lead for a significant, mission-critical project based in Newcastle upon Tyne. This position involves leading all aspects of project planning, scheduling, program management, and project controls through the entire project lifecycle. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with project management, construction crews, subcontractors, and client stakeholders to develop, maintain, and monitor project schedules that ensure safe, timely, and successful completion of complex construction works.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and scheduling efforts ensuring alignment with overall project goals.
• Manage programme controls activities, including monitoring schedule performance and implementing recovery plans as necessary.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with construction teams, subcontractors, consultants, and senior leadership.
• Drive programme governance, progress reporting, and risk management to optimize project delivery performance.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum of five years experience in project planning, controls, or programme management within the construction sector.
• Experience related to pharmaceuticals or data centres is highly valued.
• Expertise in developing and managing detailed construction schedules using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
• Proven track record in large-scale construction projects including data centres, commercial buildings, industrial plants, infrastructure, or mission-critical environments.
• Solid knowledge of scheduling methodologies such as critical path analysis, earned value management, and progress tracking.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work effectively in live site, multidisciplinary teams.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Professional certifications like APM, PMP, or PRINCE2 will be considered advantageous.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced Planning Leads, Senior Planners, Project Controls Engineers, or Project Managers with expertise in major construction projects.
• Individuals with hands-on experience in data centre or mission-critical project delivery environments.
• Strong competency with Primavera P6 and capability to deliver complex programmes successfully.
• Comfortable working onsite and directly engaging with construction teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments, demonstrating leadership, commercial insight, and accountability.