Project Planner - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Project Planner - Civil Engineering

Join Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family-owned business that has been proudly operated by the Smith family since 1982. What started as a single owner-operated plant hire company has grown into a leading multi-disciplinary business operating across Construction, Demolition, Waste Management, Plant Hire and Transport throughout the South West and South Wales.

With depots in Gloucester, Stonehouse, Tewkesbury, Avonmouth and Cardiff, we continue to grow while maintaining the family values that have been at the heart of our success for over 40 years.

We are now looking to recruit an experienced Project Planner to support the successful delivery of our expanding portfolio of civil engineering and groundworks projects.

Applicants must be located within a commutable distance of Gloucester.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Planner to join one of the South West's and South Wales leading construction and civil engineering businesses.

Working from our Gloucester Head Office, alongside our contract sites and you will play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of a diverse range of groundworks and civil engineering projects. You'll work closely with senior operational and commercial teams, helping to shape project strategy from tender stage through to completion, while influencing key decisions that drive programme certainty, efficiency and profitability.

We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded planner who enjoys being part of a fast-paced construction environment, building strong relationships with project teams and making a genuine impact on project success.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Programming

• Develop and maintain detailed construction programmes using industry-standard planning software.

• Produce NEC-compliant programmes.

• Develop tender, construction, target and recovery programmes.

• Establish critical paths and identify programme risks and opportunities.

• Develop project resource plans and scalable outputs for self-delivered works.

• Produce short-term look-ahead programmes.

• Support operational teams in optimising construction sequencing and productivity.

Programme Management

• Monitor project progress against agreed baselines.

• Update programmes using live site progress information.

• Analyse performance and identify delays, risks and potential programme slippage.

• Develop mitigation and recovery strategies where required.

• Support monthly project reviews through accurate reporting.

• Monitor key milestones and contractual completion dates.

Operational Support

• Attend site visits and project progress meetings.

• Work closely with Contracts Managers and Site Teams.

• Provide planning support on complex groundworks and civil engineering projects.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and project outcomes.

• Support mobilisation and resource planning across labour, plant and subcontractors.

Reporting & Commercial Support

• Produce weekly and monthly programme reports.

• Present programme updates to senior management and clients.

• Support Extension of Time submissions and compensation events.

• Provide programme evidence for contractual claims and dispute avoidance.

• Assist with earned value analysis, KPI reporting and programme dashboards.

Tender & Pre-Construction Support

• Assist estimating and bid teams in developing tender programmes.

• Review construction methodologies and project phasing strategies.

• Assess durations, risks and resource requirements.

• Support client presentations and bid submissions.

• Produce phasing plans, logistics plans and methodology statements.

• Assist with project handovers from pre-construction through to delivery.

Types of Projects

You will provide planning support across a diverse range of projects including:

• Groundworks packages

• Roads and sewers

• Earthworks and bulk excavation

• Drainage and utilities

• Commercial and industrial developments

• Retaining structures

• Public realm works

• Ground remediation schemes

• Civil engineering projects

• Housing infrastructure

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience producing and managing construction programmes.

• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and methodologies.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to interpret drawings and technical information.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Minimum 5 years' experience within Groundworks or Civil Engineering.

• HNC, HND or Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts.

• Understanding of delay analysis and Extension of Time processes.

What We Offer

• Company Vehicle or Car Allowance to suit the candidate

• Life Assurance Scheme

• Free On-Site Parking

• Additional Annual Leave Through Length of Service

• Corporate Gym Membership Discount

• Annual Salary Review

• Employee Discounts Across Smiths Group Services

• 50% Discount on Skip Hire

• Career Development and Progression Opportunities

• 24/7 Confidential Mental Health Support

Our Values

At Smiths, our values shape everything we do:

Honesty - We believe honesty is always the best policy.

Family Values - We treat colleagues, customers and partners with respect and integrity.

Hard Work - We believe that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.

Reliability - We do what we say we will do and deliver on our commitments.

Environmental Sustainability - We are committed to reducing waste, lowering emissions and creating a greener future, recycling over 90% of the waste we process.

If you are an experienced Project Planner looking to further your career with a growing and respected business, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the Smiths team.