Are you a highly experienced and proactive Planning Engineer with a proven track record of delivering complex civils and, ideally, nuclear projects? Do you thrive in a freelance environment, taking ownership and driving projects forward? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. My client is seeking a talented Freelance Principal Planning Engineer to provide expert planning and scheduling support on a variety of challenging infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on both civil engineering and the highly regulated nuclear sector. This is a fantastic chance to leverage your expertise and contribute to significant and impactful developments. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6. * Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables. * Establish realistic milestones, critical paths, and resource allocation plans. * Monitor project progress, identify potential delays and risks, and develop mitigation strategies. * Analyze schedule variances and provide accurate and timely reports to the project team. * Develop and maintain earned value management (EVM) systems. * Contribute to the development of project control procedures and best practices. * Participate in project meetings and provide expert planning input. * Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations, particularly within the nuclear sector. * Potentially mentor and guide junior planning team members. Essential Skills and Experience: * Extensive experience (10+ years) in planning and scheduling, with a significant portion focused on civil engineering projects. * Demonstrable experience working on projects within the nuclear industry, understanding its specific requirements and regulations. * Expert proficiency in Primavera P6 software. * Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies (e.g., PMI, APM). * Proven ability to develop and maintain complex project schedules from inception to completion. * Excellent analytical and problem:solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve schedule:related issues. * Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams. * Strong report writing and presentation skills. * Ability to work independently and proactively, managing your own workload and deadlines. Desirable Skills and Experience: * Familiarity with other planning software (e.g., Microsoft Project). * Experience with risk management tools and techniques. * Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, APM). * Experience in other regulated industries. Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.