Job Description

Construction Planner

Overview

Be part of a high-performing team delivering complex civil and renewable energy infrastructure across South Africa.

With a strong track record in substation civils, HV/MV infrastructure, platforms, and bulk earthworks, this fast-growing contractor is known for technical depth, disciplined execution, and a solid project pipeline.

This role offers strategic involvement in integrated construction planning—ensuring alignment across disciplines, timelines, and contractual deliverables. You will report to the Commercial Manager and collaborate closely with the Director and Contracts Managers.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, maintain, and update detailed construction schedules using MS Projects (Primavera P6 advantageous).
• Plan and sequence all civil construction activities including:
  • Platform preparation and bulk earthworks
  • Concrete foundations and pile installations
  • Cable trenches, duct banks, oil containment bunds, and plinths
  • Access and internal roads, fencing, stormwater drainage, and control buildings
• Break down the civil scope into manageable work packages with logical sequencing.
• Establish and update baseline programmes and critical path schedules, incorporating engineering, procurement, and commissioning stages.
• Monitor progress on-site daily, weekly, and monthly, reforecast schedules as needed.
• Conduct delay analysis, prepare recovery plans, and track schedule variances.
• Prepare weekly/monthly reports, 2–3 week lookahead schedules, and S-curves.
• Perform earned value analysis, SPI tracking, and schedule performance reporting.
• Liaise with project engineers, designers, and subcontractors to align the programme with multidisciplinary activities.
• Support change management processes and integrate change requests, variation orders, and scope adjustments into the programme.
• Attend and contribute to client meetings, planning sessions, and coordination reviews.
• Provide scheduling input for tender submissions, progress claims, and invoicing.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–8 years’ experience in civil planning/scheduling on infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Proficiency in MS Projects; Primavera P6 knowledge is advantageous.
• Experience with substation civils and HV/MV infrastructure; Eskom project exposure is a plus.
• Strong understanding of NEC, FIDIC, or GCC contract conditions.
• Competency in reading and interpreting civil and structural drawings.
• Skilled in earned value analysis, delay claims preparation, and risk assessment.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills.
• Able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage shifting priorities.
• National Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Baseline vs Actual Schedule Variance (%)
• Milestone Completion Rate (%)
• SPI (Schedule Performance Index)
• Number of Slipped Tasks and Re-baselines
• 2–3 Week Lookahead Compliance
• Forecasted vs Actual Completion Accuracy
• Delay Identification and Resolution Turnaround Time
• Earned Value vs Planned Value Variance (%)

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on utility-scale renewable energy and substation infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to integrated planning across civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
• Fast-paced environment supporting high-performance engineering and construction teams.
• Site-based and hybrid working options depending on project phase.
• Involvement in multidisciplinary project delivery with clear performance metrics.

Working Conditions

• Position may be site-based or require regular travel to remote project locations.
• Extended hours may be necessary during commissioning or project handover phases.
• Outdoor work and walkdowns on live construction sites will be required.