Project Planner

Overview

Kirby Group Engineering, an international multi-disciplinary engineering contractor renowned for servicing sectors like pharmaceuticals, data centres, and power transmission, seeks a Project Planner for a permanent position in Kildare. The role offers a substantial portfolio of projects over the next five-plus years and opportunities for career advancement through Kirby’s Leadership Development Programs.

Role Purpose

As a Project Planner, you will support project management in the planning, scheduling, and controlling activities for multi-discipline and multi-sector projects, providing timely advice and analysis to enable informed decision-making. You will escalate risks promptly to senior planners and the Planning & Risk Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality planning services to Project Managers.
• Mentor and guide junior planners as needed.
• Analyze contract documents to identify scheduling and tracking obligations.
• Create construction schedules based on target timelines and work breakdown structures.
• Assist in negotiating schedules with clients.
• Load labour and metrics into schedules using data from the Commercial Team.
• Develop necessary trackers and reporting formats.
• Collaborate on integrated construction schedules with Main Contractors and Project Managers.
• Monitor weekly progress and efficiency, validating data with site and commercial teams.
• Identify and communicate potential project risks and barriers.

Senior Project Planner Functions

• Act as the primary point of contact for planning with Project Managers.
• Support business unit bid processes by preparing schedules and histograms.
• Implement planning processes per the "Kirby Way" and facilitate planning meetings.
• Review and validate target schedules against contractual requirements and emerging project information.
• Optimize build schedules and maintain registers to resolve discrepancies with main contractors.
• Labour-load schedules and prepare S-curves for commercial alignment.
• Formulate negotiation strategies to manage main contractor schedule risks.
• Organize and participate in negotiation meetings with contractors and committees.
• Assist in developing integrated overall schedules with contractors.
• Produce build methodology and phasing documentation.
• Ensure construction teams understand the latest schedule versions and support risk mitigation.

Status and Performance Advisory

• Convey early warnings and project status clearly to management based on field data and progress reports.
• Advise on performance improvements and monitor labor efficiency and progress.
• Lead weekly on-site meetings for work forecasting and review.
• Compile and issue internal and external progress reports and updated schedules.
• Escalate any risk concerns to senior planners promptly.

General Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue opportunities to enhance internal customer service and process efficiency.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Third-level degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Building Services Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a strong trades background with technical aptitude.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in planning, monitoring, and controlling works.
• Demonstrated ability to develop project plans from design and commercial details.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, Microsoft Office, and skilled in report writing.
• Effective time management to handle demanding schedules.

Desired Competencies

• Strong results orientation and commercial awareness.
• Customer service focus and relationship building skills.
• Innovative mindset for process improvements.
• Attention to detail, resilience, and positive attitude.
• Teamwork and team-building capabilities.

Additional Information

This is a permanent full-time onsite role based in Kildare. The package is competitive and open to negotiation. Kirby Group Engineering is committed to equal opportunites and welcomes applicants regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.