Offshore Wind
Planner
As part of setting up a new UK branch for a well-established Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, the Planner will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and updating project schedules for offshore wind turbine projects. This includes working closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and cross-functional teams—both in the UK and at the parent company in China—to ensure accurate and timely project planning.
The ideal candidate will have proficiency in industry-standard planning tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) but also strong ability to summarise complex information for a broad audience (e.g. through plans on a page, simple diagrams) and to surface critical elements in a schedule.
Capability should include: solid knowledge of project controls practices, and a collaborative mindset to adapt global planning processes to local requirements. Strong relationship-building skills and a willingness to learn from international colleagues are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Schedule Development & Management
Create and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar tools, reflecting all phases (engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning).
Summarise highly complex schedules into simpler, visual, forms to surface key elements and communicate to a broad audience
Establish baselines and update schedules regularly to reflect progress, resource changes, and any scope adjustments.
Collaborate with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams to identify critical paths and key milestones, ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
Progress Measurement & Reporting
Collect progress data from site teams, contractors, and suppliers, integrating updates into the master schedule.
Prepare and distribute weekly or monthly progress reports, highlighting variances, trends, and potential risks.
Develop visual aids (e.g., Gantt charts, S-curves) to communicate schedule performance effectively to stakeholders.
Risk Analysis & Mitigation
Work with Project Managers, HSE, and Quality teams to conduct schedule risk assessments, including what-if scenarios and contingency planning.
Identify and escalate potential schedule impacts, offering recommendations to address or mitigate delays and resource conflicts.
Maintain a risk register related to scheduling and planning, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement mitigation strategies.
Cross-Cultural & Global Integration
Coordinate planning data and timelines with the parent company’s planning and engineering teams in China, ensuring alignment on deliverables and dependencies.
Adapt global planning methodologies to meet UK/EU requirements and project-specific constraints, sharing best practices and lessons learned across borders.
Foster a collaborative environment that encourages open communication and respect for cultural nuances.
Stakeholder & Resource Coordination
Communicate schedule requirements to internal teams (Procurement, Engineering, Logistics) and external parties (contractors, suppliers).
Assist Project Managers in resource planning and allocation, ensuring optimal utilization and alignment with project milestones.
Proactively identify and address any resource conflicts or shortfalls, collaborating with department leads to find solutions.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Evaluate and implement new tools or techniques that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and visibility of project planning and controls.
Recommend process improvements to align with industry best practices and evolving company standards.
Participate in lessons-learned sessions, contributing to an ongoing culture of improvement in project execution.
Compliance & Documentation
Ensure all planning-related documents (schedules, progress reports, risk logs) are maintained in line with document control procedures.
Stay updated on relevant UK/EU regulations and standards that may influence scheduling and project timelines (e.g., local labor laws, offshore safety regulations).
Work closely with HSE and Quality teams to ensure schedules incorporate all necessary compliance activities.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
Experience
5+ years of experience in a project planning or scheduling role, preferably in renewable energy, oil & gas, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
2+ years minimum of experience in offshore wind
Demonstrated proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, or other advanced scheduling software.
Previous exposure to multinational or cross-cultural project environments is highly valued.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of project controls methodologies, including schedule risk analysis and earned value management (EVM).
Excellent data management skills and the ability to interpret and visualize schedule progress.
Familiarity with FIDIC contract timelines or similar frameworks is a plus.
Soft Skills
Effective communication and relationship-building skills, with a focus on trust and collaboration.
Excellent communicator and able to take a helicopter view of problems
Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
Open-minded, adaptable approach to integrating different cultures, regional practices, and corporate processes.
Working Arrangements
Primarily office-based in the UK (Edinburgh or London) with frequent travel to manufacturing sites, China, and offshore locations for audits and inspections.
Flexible working arrangements can be discussed for the right candidates.
Involves working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
