Project Planning Engineer

The Opportunity

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is looking for an experienced Project Planning Engineer to support the delivery of site-based brownfield CAPEX projects at its Canvey Island Terminal. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role, suited to a planner with strong engineering fundamentals who is comfortable working directly with contractors in a live, high-hazard environment.

You will be embedded on site, working alongside project engineers, design and construction contractors with multiple interfaces, collaborating with contractors to control schedules, manage progress, drive delivery, support earned value analysis and drive overall project delivery. This role requires practical planning experience with site presence, not desk-based planning only.

Scope of Work

• Develop, maintain, and control integrated project schedules covering engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.
• Build and manage the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) across multiple contractors.
• Break down scope into workable WBS structures aligned to site execution.
• Interface daily with EPC, construction, and specialist contractors to gather progress, validate data, and update schedules.
• Identify critical path activities, schedule risk, float erosion, and delivery constraints.
• Produce look-ahead schedules, short-interval control plans, and recovery programmes.
• Run “what-if” and mitigation scenarios to support delivery decisions.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, S-curves, dashboards, and planning updates.
• Support Earned Value analysis and progress measurement (SPI, CPI where applicable).
• Flag schedule threats and opportunities early and escalate to the Engineering Programme Manager.
• Support RAAIDD logs, lessons learned, and close-out documentation.
• Ensure planning activities align with CDM Regulations, COMAH requirements, and site safety standards.

What You’ll Need

Essential

• Strong engineering background with on-site delivery experience.
• Experience in project planning / project controls within energy, oil & gas, LPG, utilities, or similar sectors.
• Proven experience working in multi-contractor EPC / EPCM environments.
• Comfortable operating in a high-hazard process plant environment.
• Proficient in Primavera P6 and/or MS Project.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, commissioning interfaces, and contractor workflows.
• Experience producing realistic, buildable programmes, not theoretical schedules.
• Confident communicator, able to challenge contractors and drive accurate reporting.
• Able to work independently on site and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering, Project Controls, or Project Management.
• AACE, PMP, or Chartered status.
• Experience with schedule risk analysis tools.
• Familiarity with AACE / PMI planning standards.

Why This Contract?

• Long-term 12-month site-based assignment.
• Work on live, operational energy infrastructure projects.
• High level of autonomy and influence on delivery outcomes.
• Direct engagement with contractors and engineering teams.
• Well-defined scope and clear reporting lines.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Company and performance related completion bonus
• On-site parking
• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Matched pension contributions 4.5% rising to 7.5% after 2 years’ service
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to retail discounts and wellbeing support

For a full list of benefits visit: https://www.[Employer hidden].co.uk/about-us/careers