Role Overview

The MEP Principal Planner is responsible for leading the planning and programming of Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health (MEP) works across major infrastructure and construction projects. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that MEP delivery is fully integrated into the overall project programme, aligning with Laing O'Rourke's digital engineering approach and modern methods of construction.

The successful candidate will provide strategic planning leadership, programme assurance, and technical expertise across complex, high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and maintain detailed MEP programmes in alignment with project milestones and key deliverables
Lead the integration of MEP activities into the master project programme
Provide planning expertise throughout all project phases (tender, pre-construction, and delivery)
Ensure programmes reflect realistic logic, sequencing, and resource allocation

Monitor progress against programme, identifying risks, delays, and opportunities
Lead programme reviews and provide insight into critical path, float, and risk mitigation strategies
Develop recovery plans and scenario analysis where required
Support earned value analysis and reporting where applicable

Stakeholder Management

Work closely with project directors, construction teams, commercial leads, and supply chain partners
Coordinate with design, engineering, and delivery teams to ensure programme alignment
Interface with clients and external stakeholders to present programme updates and strategies

MEP Expertise

Apply in-depth knowledge of MEP systems, sequencing, and commissioning processes
Ensure coordination between MEP trades and other work packages
Understand and manage dependencies between design, procurement, installation, and commissioning

Digital & Innovation

Use planning tools such as Primavera P6, Tilos, or Asta Powerproject
Support digital construction approaches, including 4D planning and BIM integration
Promote continuous improvement and innovation in planning processes

About us:

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com