Intermediate Planner

MERITUS are recruiting for an Assistant Planner to join our client in a permanent position in London to support exciting Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences projects. *PLEASE NOTE* You MUST be able to evidence both examples of NEC projects you have worked on as well as experience within the Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals industry.

ASSISTANT PLANNER - NEC PROJECTS - LONDON - £60,000/£70,000 PER ANNUM (DOE) - LIFE SCIENCES & PHARMACEUTICALS

Are you looking to build a successful planning career within one of the UK's most respected Tier 1 contractors? We're working with a leading construction business known for delivering complex, high-profile projects across sectors including commercial, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They are now seeking a motivated Assistant Project Planner to support senior planning leads across a diverse range of projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a few years of experience looking to advance their technical planning skills and gain exposure to high-value construction programmes.

As an Assistant Project Planner, you'll work alongside experienced Senior Planners to support the development, monitoring, and updating of robust construction programmes. You'll gain hands-on experience across all stages of the project lifecycle-developing a strong foundation in planning methodologies, construction sequencing, and programme management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in reviewing and defining the current programme status across multiple live projects on a weekly and monthly basis.

• Support Senior Planners in reviewing project outputs, phasing, and progress regularly.

• Help develop and maintain tracking schedules to monitor key project milestones and subcontractor deliverables.

• Contribute to the preparation of fully logic-linked baseline contract programmes, covering design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.

• Ensure planning decisions and methodologies reflect the company's health & safety policies and industry standards.

• Assist in the development of safe and effective construction methodologies and sequencing strategies.

• Collaborate with internal teams and subcontractors to gather accurate planning data and contribute to programme accuracy.

• 5+ years' experience in construction or a planning support role.

• Exposure to working within multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Solid IT proficiency and familiarity with planning software tools.

• Basic understanding of industry best practices and contract awareness (NEC, JCT, etc.).

• A willingness to learn, take initiative, and contribute to team success.

• Degree or Diploma in Construction Management or related discipline.

• Introductory training in Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6 (essential).

• Presentation skills training beneficial.

• Basic contract awareness and understanding of key construction programme principles.

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB) is desirable but not essential.