Senior Planner - job 1 of 2

As a Senior Planner at CMR, your key responsibilities include developing construction schedule estimates, defining the basis of estimates, ensuring alignment with Cost and Risk Management teams, and working closely with various stakeholders to gain buy-in for project schedules. You’ll also be integral in supporting the QSRA process by collaborating with the Risk team to identify and manage interfaces in procurement and project dependencies.

To qualify for the Senior Planner role at CMR, you’ll need a minimum of 5 years of planning experience in construction and infrastructure projects. Proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Office is essential, along with strong communication skills. While a degree is advantageous, certifications such as APM or PRINCE2 are also highly regarded. Familiarity with procurement processes and contract types is beneficial.

CMR offers a flexible work environment for the Senior Planner role, with 3 days of home-based work and 2 days in the office located in London or Suffolk. You’ll join a small, supportive team culture that values collaboration, creativity, and professional development. Regular social events and an open feedback culture create a unique and enjoyable workplace.

At CMR, the growth opportunities for a Senior Planner are plentiful! We have a merit-based system that encourages fast-tracked career development. You’ll work with our in-house capability matrix to identify and pursue areas for personal and professional growth, ensuring you’re always advancing your skills and expertise in the field.

CMR values the well-being of its employees and promotes a healthy work-life balance. With 25 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health benefits, CMR supports its Senior Planners in managing their work commitments alongside personal life, fostering a more enjoyable and productive work environment.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experience using Primavera P6 or any other scheduling tools you are familiar with. Discuss how you’ve used these tools in past projects, including developing and maintaining schedules, managing updates, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.

Effective communication is key to securing stakeholder buy-in. Explain how you engage stakeholders early in the planning process, provide clear and concise updates, and use visual tools like presentations to convey complex information in an understandable way, creating a collaborative environment.

Discuss your proactive approach to identifying potential delays early and how you communicate these to the project team and stakeholders. Highlight your experience in developing mitigation plans, adjusting schedules, and ensuring that all parties are informed of the pathway forward.

Explain your approach to proactively identifying risks associated with project timelines and how you incorporate these risks into your scheduling practices. Provide examples of how you have collaborated with risk management teams to ensure that mitigation strategies are reflected in your project plans.

Discuss the critical elements you assess when creating the basis of your estimates, including assumptions, exclusions, resource requirements, and any historical data or benchmark comparisons relevant to the project. This showcases your attention to detail and strategic thinking.

Choose a challenging project example and discuss the specific hurdles faced, your approach to overcoming these issues, and the successful outcome. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and adaptability in managing unexpected project changes.

Highlight the importance of collaboration by explaining how you establish a strong working relationship with other project teams, such as Cost and Risk Management. Emphasize your strategies for fostering open communication and teamwork to achieve shared project goals.

Discuss your commitment to professional development through research, attending workshops, and participating in industry networking events. Explain how staying updated on trends and methodologies enhances your effectiveness as a Senior Planner at CMR.

Mention specific software tools that contribute to your planning efficiency, such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Office Suite, or other project management software. Explain how these tools streamline your workflow and enhance your project reporting.

Express your enthusiasm for the role at CMR by mentioning the company’s forward-thinking approach to project controls and your desire to contribute to this mission. Share how your values align with CMR's, particularly in regard to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving industry innovation.