Project Planner - Water Infrastructure

  • Clarkson Owens Recruitment
  • Southampton, Hampshire
  • Nov 08, 2026
Full time Engineering

Job Description

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Planner with approximately 4 5 years' experience in construction, civil engineering or infrastructure, ideally with exposure to the water sector.

You will have a good understanding of construction programming, be comfortable working closely with operational teams and ideally have experience using ASTA Powerproject.

Experience with Primavera P6 is not a requirement. Above all, we are looking for someone with strong planning fundamentals, a practical approach to programme management and the flexibility to support projects across South Wales, South Coast/Southampton, and East Anglian area.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare accurate cost estimates for civil engineering, infrastructure and water-related projects.

  • Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and project requirements and prepare competitive tender submissions, ensuring all costs are captured

  • Undertake detailed quantity take-offs and measurements.

  • Obtain, assess and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.

  • Identify commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions and assess construction methodologies, sequencing and project delivery requirements.

  • Liaise with clients, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.

  • Prepare tender clarifications, qualifications and supporting documentation.

  • Support project handovers from pre-construction into delivery, while maintaining accurate estimating records, cost databases and historical pricing information.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Previous estimating experience within construction, civil engineering or infrastructure and strong understanding of construction costs, materials, labour, plant and subcontractor pricing.

  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation and experience in cost analysis and preparing tender submissions.

  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction methodologies and excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple tenders and meet tight deadlines.

  • Flexibility to travel across Southern and South East England when required.

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • Experience within the water and wastewater sector, including treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines or water networks.

  • Background in groundworks, reinforced concrete, drainage or infrastructure projects.

  • Exposure to framework agreements and competitive tender processes.

  • Knowledge of NEC contracts and associated commercial requirements.

  • Experience using estimating software and digital measurement tools.

  • Previous experience working for a civil engineering contractor.

Personal Attributes

  • Commercially aware, analytical and detail-oriented.

  • Proactive in identifying risks and commercial opportunities.

  • Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

  • Organised and capable of managing competing priorities.

  • Collaborative, adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced pre-construction environment.

  • Motivated, accountable and committed to delivering accurate work.

Salary & Benefits / Working Arrangements

  • Permanent opportunity with competitive salary, dependent on experience.

  • Hybrid working arrangement combining office, site and home working.

  • Flexible working location with regional travel as required.

  • Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering, water and infrastructure projects.