Senior Planner - Earthworks - Sizewell C, Suffolk

at  Balfour Beatty

About the role
SZC is ultimately owned by two shareholders, EDF and HMG. The shareholders hold their investment in SZC through NNB Holdings Company (SZC) Limited. Over the course of the current shareholding arrangements the shareholdings of the two shareholders will change.
The shareholders will fund SZC up until Financial Close through equity in line with the approved schedule and budget. SZC’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure (including activities relating to hydrogen, direct air capture and/or desalination) at Sizewell C in Suffolk. The principal objectives of the current development phase of the SZC project are to agree and implement the Capital Raise Plan, including completing an equity and debt raise, agree the core supply chain contracts and obtain the regulatory permits and licences required for the construction phase of the Project (including the core environmental permits and nuclear site licence).
Prior to the government investment decision SZC operated as part of EDF in the Nuclear Development business unit and was staffed by EDF colleagues and independent contractors who are now in the process of transferring to the direct employment of SZC. It is setting itself up as an organisation capable of
delivering a new nuclear power plant, from investment case and funding, to construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance and decommissioning.
The SZC construction programme has a technical and commercial business case predicated on technical replication of Hinkley Point C. EDF will be an important supplier of nuclear capability for the SZC Programme from its established nuclear business footprint in the UK.
Key stakeholders are: UK Government, relevant Government departments and agencies including Treasury BEIS, EDF, Financial investors and institutions, Regulators, Alliance partners and local communities.
What you’ll be doing

The Senior Planner role is to work with the Planning Lead and the SZC wider teams and take responsibility for developing, coordinating and monitoring the project delivery programme for the enabling works portion of the project. The Senior Planner is a key member of the team to deliver the varied nature of civil works that form the Earthworks Works portion of the project. You will be required to develop and manage the main portion schedule on a day-to-day basis, working with the planning lead of the portion. The role will also include collating data for both Earned Value Analysis and Project Controls.

• Planning and managing the development, change management and improvement of the Works Schedule. This will also require you to provide planning guidance to the project and programme team.
• Ensuring that the schedule content is compliant with the planning procedures, guidance and good practice.
• Develop and agree by collaboration a logical sequence and methodology ensuring that the most efficient design, procurement & construction strategy is adopted for the delivery of the works.
• Supporting the Portion Lead Planner in the implementation and maintenance of project controls processes for scheduling, including the production of monthly reports, through the provision of intelligent information and analysis.
• Producing and documenting the planning deliverables including schedule, planning philosophy, presentations and reports alongside producing the contract programme and supporting information including the narrative document in accordance with the contract requirements.
• Providing support, as required to the BIM Co-ordinators to meet the project requirements.
• Displaying and evaluating the project critical path and advise the project team of the results and any appropriate corrective action.
• Assisting in the trend and change process, including analysis of schedule impact, develop mitigation options, providing commentary and analysis to accompany the change submission. You will be expected to support the commercial assessment of the change by ensuring that the change is clearly understood to allow the optimal evaluation of the change.
• Producing and maintaining project baselines and execute the change control process as appropriate.
• Liaise with site team and supply chain to check on progress, issues and changes/ alterations to ensure programme maintained and reflective of the future work sequence and expected timings.
• Provide the commercial team with advice when reviewing supplier schedules in accordance with the contract conditions. Where necessary challenge and query the validity of the production rates, sequencing, methodology etc. If there is a significant variance between the supplier’s schedule and the Portion Schedule, then following checks and validation then amend the Portion schedule to incorporate the suppliers forecast.
• Review medium term delivery programmes and align with the main programme. Where applicable challenge and drive improved delivery plans. If necessary, amending the variances into the master programme if validated.
• The planning team will consist of planners of various experience and competencies, and it is expected that the senior planner will mentor and support the development and growth of other members of the planning teams on the project.
• Resource Management: Expertise in managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently in the schedule to meet project objectives, balancing/ levelling resources demands, while minimizing costs and delays.
• Data Analysis: Analyse project data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify deviations, and make data-driven decisions for project improvement.

Who we’re looking for

Essential

• Technical Proficiency: Proven experience as a Civil Engineering Planner with proficiency in NEC and P6. Good understanding of project/programme controls
• Communication: Strong communication skills with a history of effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and regulatory authorities.
• Safety Culture: Foster a strong safety culture within the project team and among contractors. This involves promoting a mindset where safety is a top priority, and all workers are encouraged to report safety concerns or incidents promptly.
• Team Leadership: Experience in a leadership or supervisory role is preferred, as senior planners often coordinate with various project stakeholders.
• Regulatory Compliance: A track record of ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and environmental regulations is a significant asset.

Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to effectively address and resolve issues that arise during earthworks and civil engineering projects

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Degree or other industry recognised qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or similar related sector.
• Experienced in the production and management of Construction Programmes in a civil engineering/ Infrastructure environment. Preferably on medium to large scale infrastructure projects
• Experience the planning of Works with different disciplines is required, which include Earthworks and Ground improvement. Experience in planning of some of the following: would also be advantageous Highways, Rail, Utilities, Site Establishment, bulk and engineering and general civil engineering works.

Desirable

• CIOB/ICE Membership and working towards chartership
• 4D/Synchro Modelling

Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

The Senior Planner role is to work with the Planning Lead and the SZC wider teams and take responsibility for developing, coordinating and monitoring the project delivery programme for the enabling works portion of the project. The Senior Planner is a key member of the team to deliver the varied nature of civil works that form the Earthworks Works portion of the project. You will be required to develop and manage the main portion schedule on a day-to-day basis, working with the planning lead of the portion. The role will also include collating data for both Earned Value Analysis and Project Controls.

• Planning and managing the development, change management and improvement of the Works Schedule. This will also require you to provide planning guidance to the project and programme team.
• Ensuring that the schedule content is compliant with the planning procedures, guidance and good practice.
• Develop and agree by collaboration a logical sequence and methodology ensuring that the most efficient design, procurement & construction strategy is adopted for the delivery of the works.
• Supporting the Portion Lead Planner in the implementation and maintenance of project controls processes for scheduling, including the production of monthly reports, through the provision of intelligent information and analysis.
• Producing and documenting the planning deliverables including schedule, planning philosophy, presentations and reports alongside producing the contract programme and supporting information including the narrative document in accordance with the contract requirements.
• Providing support, as required to the BIM Co-ordinators to meet the project requirements.
• Displaying and evaluating the project critical path and advise the project team of the results and any appropriate corrective action.
• Assisting in the trend and change process, including analysis of schedule impact, develop mitigation options, providing commentary and analysis to accompany the change submission. You will be expected to support the commercial assessment of the change by ensuring that the change is clearly understood to allow the optimal evaluation of the change.
• Producing and maintaining project baselines and execute the change control process as appropriate.
• Liaise with site team and supply chain to check on progress, issues and changes/ alterations to ensure programme maintained and reflective of the future work sequence and expected timings.
• Provide the commercial team with advice when reviewing supplier schedules in accordance with the contract conditions. Where necessary challenge and query the validity of the production rates, sequencing, methodology etc. If there is a significant variance between the supplier’s schedule and the Portion Schedule, then following checks and validation then amend the Portion schedule to incorporate the suppliers forecast.
• Review medium term delivery programmes and align with the main programme. Where applicable challenge and drive improved delivery plans. If necessary, amending the variances into the master programme if validated.
• The planning team will consist of planners of various experience and competencies, and it is expected that the senior planner will mentor and support the development and growth of other members of the planning teams on the project.
• Resource Management: Expertise in managing labour, equipment, and materials efficiently in the schedule to meet project objectives, balancing/ levelling resources demands, while minimizing costs and delays.
• Data Analysis: Analyse project data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify deviations, and make data-driven decisions for project improvement

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more