Lead Planner (Civil Engineering)

To excel as a Lead Planner at CMR, you'll need a solid foundation in Civil Engineering, along with at least 10 years of planning experience in construction and infrastructure projects. Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 is crucial, as well as strong communication skills for presenting information clearly and persuasively. Knowledge of BIM, parametric estimating, and contract procurement will definitely give you an edge.

CMR prides itself on a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation, particularly for the Lead Planner role. You'll find a supportive environment where each team member is encouraged to make a significant impact. We celebrate achievements while also ensuring we lift each other during challenging times, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.

As a Lead Planner at CMR, your career growth is a priority. We employ a merit-based system that enables rapid development for those demonstrating capability. Through our in-house capability matrix, you'll receive transparent feedback on your progression, and the opportunity to grow into even more senior or specialized roles awaits those who excel.

On an average day at CMR, the Lead Planner dives into activities like developing construction schedule estimates, collaborating with cost and risk management teams, and managing various internal and external project interfaces. You'll engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment and validate schedule estimates using benchmark data and design information, making each day diverse and impactful.

Yes, CMR is committed to the professional growth of its employees, especially in key roles such as the Lead Planner. You're encouraged to engage in ongoing training and professional development programs, ensuring you stay at the forefront of industry standards and practices while advancing your skills.

To apply for the Lead Planner position at CMR, you'll need to submit your CV along with a brief summary detailing why you're interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Given the number of applications we receive, including a personalized note can significantly enhance your chances.

CMR offers a comprehensive benefits package to its Lead Planners, which includes 25 days of holiday, private healthcare, life assurance, a pension plan with employer contributions, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for training and development. We also value work-life balance with a flexible working schedule that includes remote options.

When discussing your experience with project scheduling during the interview, focus on specific projects you have worked on, the tools you utilized (like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6), and how you handled challenges. Highlight your ability to develop realistic schedules and your approach to adjusting them according to project demands.

To ensure schedule estimates are robust and realistic, explain your process for gathering data from past projects, using industry benchmarks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Talk about techniques you use to validate your assumptions and how you leverage feedback from stakeholders to refine your estimates.

Discuss your knowledge of risk management techniques, such as qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, as well as how you integrate risk assessments into your project schedules. Provide examples of how you've proactively identified and mitigated risks in previous roles.

Share a specific example where you had to adjust a project schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Detail the steps you took to assess the situation, the strategy you implemented to create a new schedule, and how you communicated this change to stakeholders, ultimately leading to a successful resolution.

Explain your approach to engaging stakeholders by emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaboration. Discuss techniques such as regular meetings, progress reports, and updates to ensure that all parties are informed and that their concerns are addressed in the scheduling process.

BIM is an essential component of modern project controls. Share your experience with using BIM in previous projects, particularly how it has helped you enhance accuracy in scheduling, improve collaboration among teams, and visually communicate project timelines and milestones.

Provide details on the types of major projects you've worked on, including their scale, complexity, and your specific role as a Lead Planner. Highlight any achievements in timelines, cost management, or collaboration with other departments that you accomplished during these projects.

Describe your time management and prioritization techniques for handling multiple projects simultaneously. Provide strategies you utilize to maintain high-quality schedules without compromising attention to detail across all assignments, such as using project management tools and effective delegation.

Discuss your educational background and any relevant certifications, such as APM or PRINCE2, that apply to the Lead Planner position. Connect these qualifications with your over 10 years of experience and your deep understanding of civil engineering principles in the context of construction project planning.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning in the field of project controls and civil engineering. Mention any professional organizations you’re part of, courses you’ve taken, or relevant publications you follow to remain informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in these areas.