Overview
Lead Planner – Greater Manchester
Job Description
Costain have won extensive work across the water sector this year to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by United Utilities as one of 7 partners to the Enterprise, delivering £5.5bn of projects in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) between 2025 – 2030, and AMP 9 (2030 – 2035). Our scope is to provide project management, design, construction and commissioning services on design and build schemes throughout the North West and Cumbria region covered by United Utilities. Projects vary in value from £10m – c£600m covering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets on water and wastewater sites with wider Enterprise partners.
This role will require attendance at site offices (Wigan or Manchester).
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Responsibilities
- Lead the development of the master construction programme and integrated design/construction schedules using Primavera P6 or equivalent.
- Provide detailed sequencing for civils, MEICA, commissioning, and interface packages.
- Liaise with project managers, designers, subcontractors, and client representatives to integrate all construction activities.
- Manage interfaces between civil works, process equipment, and commissioning phases.
- Support the development of construction methodologies, temporary works strategies, and site logistics plans.
- Ensure programmes reflect constraints such as access, permits, and environmental conditions.
- Provide input to weekly and monthly reports, highlighting risks, float, and critical path activities.
- Conduct delay analysis and support the commercial team with EoT claims under NEC contracts
Experience and Skills
Essential
- Proven experience in planning major infrastructure or water industry projects (£100M+).
- Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and planning tools.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies in civil engineering and MEICA.
- Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contracts, especially in programme management and compensation events.
- Ability to work collaboratively within large, multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
Desirable
- Water industry experience
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant engineering or project management qualification
- CSCS
- Driving licence.
Desirable
- Proficient in Microsoft Project
