Project Planner

Job description

Position Summary The Project Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and controlling integrated project schedules from initiation through completion. Working closely with project managers and cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, production, and operations, this role translates project scope into clear activities, milestones, dependencies, resource requirements, and deadlines. The Project Planner/Scheduler monitors progress against approved baselines, evaluates schedule performance, identifies risks and delays, and recommends corrective actions to support the successful delivery of projects on time, within scope, and within budget. Key Responsibilities Develop, establish, and maintain detailed project schedules that reflect scope, activities, milestones, dependencies, constraints, resources, and contractual deadlines. Create and manage baseline, forecast, and integrated master schedules using Critical Path Method scheduling principles. Collaborate with project management, engineering, procurement, production, operations, finance, and other stakeholders to confirm sequencing, durations, responsibilities, and resource requirements. Collect and validate progress information, update schedules regularly, and measure performance against approved plans and key milestones. Analyze critical and near-critical paths, float, schedule variances, resource constraints, and emerging risks that may affect project delivery. Develop recovery plans, schedule scenarios, and recommendations to mitigate delays, resolve conflicts, and improve project outcomes. Evaluate the schedule impact of proposed scope, design, procurement, resource, or budget changes and support established change-control processes. Prepare accurate schedule reports, look-ahead plans, dashboards, progress updates, variance analyses, earned value metrics, and executive-level summaries. Track labor, resources, procurement activities, project changes, and cost-related schedule inputs while maintaining complete and accurate planning records. Facilitate or support schedule review meetings and communicate schedule status, assumptions, risks, delays, and required actions to project leaders and stakeholders. Escalate significant schedule concerns promptly and follow up on corrective actions through resolution. Promote consistent planning standards, scheduling discipline, and continuous improvement across assigned projects. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, project management, business administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Five to seven years of experience in project planning, scheduling, project controls, project management, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or capital projects. Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining complex project schedules throughout the project lifecycle. Proficiency with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or comparable project scheduling software. Strong knowledge of Critical Path Method scheduling, schedule logic, dependencies, float, baselines, and variance analysis. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for analysis and reporting. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills with consistent attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex schedule information clearly to varied audiences. Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications Project management, project controls, or scheduling certification, such as PMP, AACE Planning and Scheduling Professional, or PRINCE2. Experience supporting complex projects in a manufacturing, engineering, construction, industrial, or capital-project environment. Knowledge of earned value management, resource and cost loading, formal risk management, and schedule impact analysis. Experience with additional planning, reporting, or cost-control tools, including CCS Candy or comparable systems. Experience producing integrated master schedules, management dashboards, and executive-level reports for complex, technically demanding projects. Key Skills & Competencies Project planning and schedule control Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving Risk identification, impact assessment, and mitigation planning Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication Data analysis, reporting, and performance measurement Cost awareness and resource planning Attention to detail and disciplined documentation Adaptability, sound judgment, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach Tools & Software Primary tools include Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project for project planning and schedule control, along with Microsoft Office applications—particularly Excel—for data analysis, reporting, and performance tracking. Familiarity with earned value, risk-management, cost-control, dashboard, or additional planning systems, such as CCS Candy or comparable tools, is preferred. Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site position, with a hybrid schedule available based on business and project needs. Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with periodic visits to production areas, project sites, or customer locations to gather progress information and coordinate with project teams. Occasional travel may be required to support project planning, schedule reviews, and stakeholder meetings.