Senior Planner
| Posting date: | 03 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 July 2026 |
| Location: | M40 2BF |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Morson Talent |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 257682-44957 |
Summary
Senior Planner - Highways Consultancy (Contract)
Contract Length: Initial 3-month contract with strong potential for extension
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Location: Flexible / Hybrid (Manchester project, Chesterfield-based project team)
Rate: Competitive and negotiable depending on experience
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Planner to join a leading Consultancy on a contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a busy and well-established planning team supporting major infrastructure projects, with the potential for long-term engagement beyond the initial contract period.
The successful candidate will be an experienced planner who can quickly integrate into the team, provide immediate support to project managers, and help alleviate pressure within an overstretched planning function. While highways experience is highly desirable, candidates with relevant rail infrastructure experience-particularly those familiar with governance frameworks such as Network Rail-will also be considered.
The Role
Working closely with project managers, planners, and delivery teams, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and analysing integrated project programmes across the full project lifecycle. The role requires someone who can confidently operate with minimal supervision, understand programme dependencies, and provide valuable insight into project performance and delivery risks.
The position is primarily focused on a major project based in Manchester, although the wider project management team is located in Chesterfield. A flexible and mobile approach is required, with regular collaboration alongside the project team in a hybrid working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain fully integrated, logic-linked project programmes covering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.
- Ensure programmes comply with contractual requirements, client procedures, and governance standards.
- Support project teams by identifying critical path constraints, programme risks, and delivery pinch points.
- Analyse and optimise programme logic to improve project outcomes and mitigate potential delays.
- Monitor and manage interfaces and dependencies between multiple project disciplines and workstreams.
- Track progress against baseline programmes and provide accurate forecasting information.
- Produce programme reports, analysis, and commentary for project teams, stakeholders, and clients.
- Formally issue programme updates in accordance with contractual requirements.
- Work collaboratively with project managers and delivery teams to drive programme performance and informed decision-making.
About You
- Proven experience as a Senior Planner within major infrastructure projects.
- Highways sector experience preferred rail infrastructure experience will also be considered.
- Strong understanding of project controls, planning methodologies, and programme governance.
- Familiarity with National Highways governance processes would be advantageous.
- Ability to quickly understand complex projects and become productive from day one.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Comfortable working within a hybrid environment and travelling as required to support project teams.
This is an opportunity to join a highly respected consultancy on a significant infrastructure programme, offering a collaborative environment, challenging work, and genuine potential for contract extensions and long-term opportunities.