MERITUS are recruiting for a Assistant Project Planner to join our client in a permanent position to support exciting new projects within Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals. *PLEASE NOTE* We are looking for candidates with previous Life Sciences &/or Pharmaceutical project experience, and proven experience working on NEC projects.
ASSISTANT PROJECT PLANNER - MACCLESFIELD - £45,000/£55,000 PER ANNUM (DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE) - LIFE SCIENCES & PHARMACEUTICALS - ONSITE TIME REQUIRED
Our client – a leading Tier 1 construction and engineering contractor – is seeking an experienced Project Planner to join their growing delivery team, supporting major works across a high-profile national framework.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled planning professional to play a key role in shaping complex projects from design through to construction and handover. You’ll report directly to the Senior Planner and be instrumental in the successful coordination, reporting, and delivery of live construction projects.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Lead onsite planning and reporting activities, supporting the successful execution of live projects.
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Produce high-quality internal and external progress reports.
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Work closely with Design, Procurement, and Construction teams to gather and present key progress evidence, including KPIs and schedule updates.
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Analyse programme health using tools such as Critical Path and Float Path analysis.
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Prepare and present Planned vs. Actual progress data, including production ‘S’ Curves.
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Communicate short-term lookahead plans clearly to on-site teams to support upcoming milestones.
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Champion proactive planning, highlighting key dates and encouraging early preparation across delivery teams.
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Collaborate with site teams and senior planners to review phasing and outputs regularly.
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Develop and maintain tracking tools for subcontractor submissions and other KPI metrics.
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Identify risks early and support the project team in applying mitigation strategies.
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Help shape and maintain baseline programmes across all project stages – design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
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Ensure NEC-compliant programme updates and full alignment with client requirements.
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Contribute to the development of construction methodologies and logistics plans.
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Maintain health and safety best practices in all planning decisions.
What You’ll Bring:
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5+ years of planning experience within construction or engineering (experience on lab projects desirable).
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In-depth understanding of buildability and construction sequencing, including MEP and commissioning phases.
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A proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
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Strong planning/reporting background on NEC and/or JCT contracts.
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Proficiency with Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject(Microsoft Project also beneficial).
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Confident using tools like Bluebeam, Autodesk model viewers, and Synchro 4D (desirable).
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Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
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Familiarity with industry best practice in programme development and management.
Qualifications:
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Degree or diploma in Construction Management / Engineering or similar.
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Professional accreditation (CIOB / ICE) desirable.
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SMSTS and CSCS card appropriate to your role level.
