Lead Planner

To apply for the Lead Planner role at CMR, you should have over 10 years of planning experience in construction and infrastructure projects. Proficiency in Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 is essential, as well as familiarity with Microsoft Office tools. Ideally, a degree and formal project management qualifications like APM or PRINCE2 would be advantageous.

The work culture at CMR for the Lead Planner is collaborative and innovative. We strive to create an environment where each team member can contribute significantly and thrive through a culture of support and professional development. Our nine Core Principles guide our commitment to fostering a community that values diverse perspectives and teamwork.

Yes, CMR offers a flexible work arrangement for the Lead Planner position, allowing for remote work while requiring two days in our London office. This approach helps maintain a balanced work-life dynamic while still fostering team collaboration.

As a Lead Planner at CMR, you can expect an attractive benefits package, including 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, comprehensive private healthcare, life assurance, a pension plan with employer contributions, and various bonuses tied to both company and personal performance.

CMR differentiates itself through its commitment to innovation in project controls and a strong focus on professional growth. Our merit-based progression system and transparent capability matrix allow for rapid advancement for those who demonstrate the necessary skills and motivation to succeed in their roles.

As a Lead Planner at CMR, you'll get to work on a variety of major construction and infrastructure projects. You’ll lead the planning team in developing and validating construction schedules that align with our collaborative approach to project controls in diverse sectors. It's an exciting opportunity to make an impact!

At CMR, we prioritize professional development by offering training and mentorship opportunities that help you grow in your career. Our culture emphasizes ongoing learning, and we provide tools and resources to track your progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring you have the support you need to excel.

When answering, focus on detailing specific projects you've worked on, your role, and how your contributions helped shape the planning process. Highlight your familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 and discuss how you've managed schedule estimates.

Discuss the importance of defining the Basis of Estimate, integrating with cost and risk management, and ensuring stakeholder buy-in. Emphasize the need for realistic, defensible estimates that are regularly validated using benchmark data.

Illustrate your conflict resolution skills by describing past experiences. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively, facilitate discussions, and provide balanced solutions that keep the project on track while respecting team dynamics.

Share your methods for validating estimates, such as using historical data, collaborating with subject matter experts, and utilizing digital tools. Mention any experiences with BIM or parametric estimating that have enhanced your approach to validation.

Provide relevant examples of challenges faced in past projects. Explain the strategies you used to overcome those hurdles, focusing on collaboration, innovative thinking, and proactive management methods.

Discuss your experience in maintaining regular communication, organizing stakeholder meetings, and using visual presentations to convey information clearly. Highlight your achievements in fostering a collaborative environment among various teams.

Talk about the integral role of risk management in project planning. Share how you identify potential risks early, work with risk teams to assess impact, and build contingencies into your schedule for mitigation.

Showcase your knowledge of industry trends, such as digitalization in project controls, sustainability practices, and the integration of technologies like BIM. Discuss how you stay current and incorporate these trends into your planning practices.

Provide an anecdote that illustrates a successful project outcome directly linked to your contributions as a planner. Focus on specific metrics, lessons learned, and how your planning facilitated success.

Identify key qualities such as leadership, communication, and adaptability. Explain how these traits contribute to successfully leading a team, delivering results, and fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.