Assistant Planner

Description:

Alternative Networks (now part of Daisy Group) is seeking an Assistant Planner - SPN to join their Capital Programme team in Maidstone. This role involves managing and maintaining lower-value projects under the guidance of senior planners/lead planners while gaining experience on larger projects. You will play a crucial part in recording progress, forecasting milestones and costs, and ensuring data integrity across assigned projects.

As an Assistant Planner, you will undergo a Level 3 Project Controls Apprenticeship, enhancing your expertise in project planning, P6 activity planning, and cost forecasting. Your responsibilities include managing project schedules in Primavera P6, aligning them with UK Power Networks' Work Breakdown Structures (WBS/OBS/CBS), ensuring monthly performance reporting, supporting Earned Value Management, and coordinating with project teams for accurate data updates.

This role offers a blended working model (3 days in office, 2 remote after probation) and provides exposure to major infrastructure projects while developing professional capabilities toward an independent Project Planner role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain lower-value projects under the supervision of senior planners.

• Learn and develop skills in Primavera P6 for planning and scheduling major projects.

• Maintain schedules, ensuring alignment with UK Power Networks standards and governance.

• Support earned value reporting, cost alignment, and schedule risk analysis.

• Coordinate with commercial and finance teams to ensure accurate project data integration.

• Assist in change management by integrating approved changes into project baselines.

• Influence project teams to ensure timely updates of progress and milestones.

• Undertake and complete a Level 3 Project Controls Apprenticeship for career progression.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum Education: GCSE Maths and English grade 5 or higher (or equivalent).

• Foundation level qualification in project management/control (APM, Prince2) desirable.

• Familiarity with database and data organization principles.

• Experience with Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar tools desirable.

• Strong communication, presentation, and data interpretation skills.

• Knowledge of Earned Value Management principles preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).

Benefits:

• Salary: £42,005/year + 3% bonus (approx. £3500/month).

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Reservist Leave: 18 days full pay + 22 days unpaid.

• Personal Pension Plan: Employer contribution up to 10%.

• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme & Season Ticket Loan.

• Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, Green Car Leasing Schemes.

• Discounted gym membership & retail discounts.

• Occupational Health support & Employee Assistance Programme.