Lead Planner (Bulk Civils Infrastructure – NEC EEC) - Durban at MECS (Pty) Ltd

• The Lead Planner will oversee all aspects of project planning and scheduling for the Replacement of Water Pipelines & Billing System in the Port of Durban Project. This role involves creating, maintaining, and updating project schedules while ensuring alignment with NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) requirements. The incumbent will play a key role in monitoring progress, identifying potential delays, and ensuring adherence to the project’s timelines and objectives.
• 2 year Project
• Based in Durban (must live in Durban or have own accommodation)
• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in civil construction projects, with a focus on infrastructure such as water reticulation networks and bulk water pipelines.
• At least 8 years of experience working with NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contracts, demonstrating expertise in planning and scheduling under the chosen option.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in project planning software such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
• Strong understanding of NEC3 ECC scheduling requirements, including the management of early warnings and compensation events.
• Expertise in critical path method (CPM), earned value analysis (EVA), and schedule risk analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex scheduling information clearly.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in planning and executing large-scale water infrastructure projects.
• Membership in a professional body such as PMI, AACEI, or SACPCMP.
• Familiarity with other project management frameworks, such as PMBOK or PRINCE2.
• Development and maintenance of an accurate Master Project Schedule.
• Timely identification and resolution of scheduling risks and delays.
• Positive feedback from stakeholders on the clarity and accuracy of scheduling updates.
• Achievement of project milestones within the agreed timeline

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule Development and Management
• Develop and maintain the Master Project Schedule (MPS) in accordance with project requirements.
• Ensure the schedule incorporates all project phases, including site preparation, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Use appropriate project planning software, such as Primavera P6 or MS Project, to develop and manage schedules.

Progress Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and update project progress, identifying deviations from the baseline schedule.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, including earned value analysis (EVA) and critical path analysis.
• Highlight potential delays and provide mitigation strategies to keep the project on track.

NEC3 Contract Compliance

• Ensure all planning and scheduling activities comply with NEC3 ECC principles, particularly those tied to the chosen contract option.
• Collaborate with the Project Director and Contracts Manager to address early warnings and compensation events affecting the schedule.

Risk and Delay Management

• Identify schedule risks and develop mitigation plans to prevent delays.
• Conduct "what-if" scenario planning to assess the impact of potential risks and disruptions.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve scheduling conflicts.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with the Project Director, Contracts Manager, and Construction Manager to align schedules with project objectives.
• Provide scheduling updates and insights during client and stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure all stakeholders have access to accurate and up-to-date scheduling information.

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the project planning team, providing guidance and mentorship to junior planners.
• Coordinate with site supervisors and subcontractors to ensure accurate reporting of progress and delays.