Lead Project Planner

Job Description Summary

Become part of a winning team and help deliver the Green Energy transition

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems enable utilities to move more power over longer distances, efficiently integrate renewable energy sources, interconnect grids, and improve network performance. HVDC systems use advanced power electronics technology to convert AC and DC voltage and are ideal for supporting existing infrastructure or developing new power transmission highways.
Join our HVDC team and contribute to the delivery of complex global infrastructure projects that support the transition to sustainable energy.

Job Description

Role Overview

For a new HVDC project, we are looking for a Lead Project Planner to support the Project Controls team in delivering projects in line with the defined execution strategy, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the integrated project schedule for HVDC scope of work, coordinating inputs across multiple engineering, procurement, and project delivery teams. This role requires close collaboration with global teams to ensure the project schedule reflects the full lifecycle of the project and provides clear visibility of progress, risks, and opportunities.

The position sits within the HVDC Project Controls team, supporting complex HVDC projects across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop tender and project schedules using established tools and planning processes.
• Build and maintain the integrated master project schedule, consolidating inputs from engineering functions, procurement, project delivery teams, and third-party partners.
• Ensure the schedule reflects all dependencies and interdependencies across project activities.
• Work closely with engineering functions such as Systems Engineering, Valves Engineering, Control & Protection, and NPI to gather schedule inputs and ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with procurement and regional project teams to ensure accurate representation of supply chain and delivery timelines.

• Maintain and update the project schedule throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct schedule analysis to identify potential risks, delays, and opportunities.
• Generate look-ahead plans, backlog reports, and late activity reporting to support project prioritisation.
• Develop scenario planning ("what-if" analysis) to support decision-making and optimise project execution.

• Identify schedule risks and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Challenge forecast completion dates where necessary to ensure timelines are realistic and achievable.
• Drive follow-up actions with functional owners to ensure mitigation measures are implemented.

• Facilitate regular schedule reviews with the project team and key stakeholders.
• Ensure functional owners sign off on their commitments and remain accountable for delivery milestones.
• Provide clear and regular reporting on schedule performance.
• Prepare and deliver contractually required schedule reporting and support communication with customers on planning matters.

• Be comfortable working across multiple engineering and project teams to gather inputs and build consolidated schedules.
• Demonstrate the ability to challenge assumptions and resolve discrepancies in planning data to ensure realistic project timelines.
• Have experience planning large, complex infrastructure or energy projects, ideally within the power transmission, utilities, renewable energy, or HVDC sectors.
• Be confident working in multinational project environments involving global teams and stakeholders.
• Understand how engineering, procurement, and construction activities interact across the project lifecycle.
• Possess strong communication and influencing skills to drive alignment across functions and maintain schedule accountability.

• Strong project planning and scheduling expertise within complex project environments
• Advanced Primavera P6 skills
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret schedule data and forecast outcomes
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international project teams