Principal Planning Engineer in Manchester, North West

Outside IR35:

Our client has a requirement for a Principal Planning Engineer, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Manchester

Role Purpose:

To lead planning activities across the project lifecycle, supporting delivery teams with schedule development, progress tracking, and forecasting. The role demands a commercially focused individual capable of managing their own project planning responsibilities while contributing effectively within a team. You will also assist with the recruitment and development of the Planning team as new contracts are secured.

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Lead the Planning team under the direction of the Project Controls Manager.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Develop, monitor, control, and analyse project schedules.
• Produce and report schedule-related metrics to support project delivery.
• Manage changes to the baseline and ensure structured control of variances.
• Monitor risk and change status for accurate forecasting.
• Conduct ‘what-if’ analysis and support decision-making.
• Provide specific and insightful reporting tailored to project needs.
• Liaise with task leaders, contractors, and stakeholders to challenge variances and propose mitigations.
• Arrange suitable cover for your responsibilities during planned absences.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

Essential:

• Strong understanding of the relationship between time, cost, and commercial factors across the project lifecycle.
• Experience across Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation/Commissioning & Handover phases.
• Proven track record in developing and maintaining planning procedures and reports.
• Creative problem solver with strong analytical skills.
• Experience processing supplier schedules and applying corporate procedures.
• Confident communicator with influencing skills.
• Proficient in Earned Value Analysis and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable:

• Experience in highly regulated environments (e.g. nuclear, defence, pharma).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ACostE, APM).

Company Information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.

We actively recruit at all levels, and this is a superb opportunity for a Principal Planning Engineer looking for new employment.

Voceer presents this job opportunity for First Recruitment Group, a 50 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by First Recruitment Group, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.

All round workforce agency covering Recruitment, Payroll and Workforce Management. We are a global recruitment agency specialising in the Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Power, Water, Rail, Construction, Technology, Aerospace & Defence, Chemicals and Corporate sectors. Our specialist consultants help clients to recruit high quality candidates into temporary, contract and permanent roles at all levels. We proudly support a partnership culture by collaborating and adding value to build lasting client and candidate relationships.

#PeopleFirst