Planner Placement (Year Out) 2027

At GRAHAM, we are committed to developing future talent. As our Interior Fit-Out Division continues to grow, we have an exciting opportunity for a Year Out Planner to join our team in Northern Ireland as part of your university placement year.

As a Year Out Planner, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience supporting the planning and delivery of fast-paced fit-out and refurbishment projects across a range of sectors. Working alongside experienced Planners, Project Managers, and site teams, you’ll develop an understanding of how projects are programmed, coordinated, and successfully delivered from inception through to completion.

This placement offers the opportunity to apply your academic learning in a live project environment, develop technical and problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to industry-leading planning tools and construction methodologies.

If you’re currently studying a construction-related degree and are looking to gain practical industry experience, this is an excellent opportunity to kick-start your career with GRAHAM.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Planning Team in the preparation and review of project programmes.
• Assist with the analysis of tender information and development of tender programmes.
• Support project planning activities for interior fit-out and refurbishment projects.
• Assist in monitoring project progress and updating programmes accordingly.
• Help prepare procurement schedules and information release schedules.
• Attend project meetings, site visits, and planning workshops.
• Support the coordination and distribution of project programmes to key stakeholders.
• Assist in analysing labour resources, materials, and project sequencing.
• Work closely with project teams to understand construction methodologies and project constraints.
• Support the maintenance of planning records and reporting information.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Planning Department while gaining exposure to all aspects of the planning function.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Requirements

Technical competencies (Essential)

• Currently studying a degree in Architectural Technology, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills.
• Interested in developing a career within construction planning and project delivery.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Technical competencies (Desirable)

• An appreciation of Health & Safety practices.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Understanding of 3D modelling, design software, or gaming engines (helpful but not essential).
• Understanding of the fit-out or construction industry.
• Able to demonstrate problem solving.
• Experience with planning software (e.g. Microsoft Project or Asta Powerproject).

Behavioural competencies (Essential)

• Commercial Awareness: show willingness to build a strong business acumen combined with the creativity and vision to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.
• Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand.
• Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand the real, underlying needs of the customer, beyond those initially expressed. Always works closely with customers, developing an independent view of their needs and acting in their long term interest.
• Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives.
• Initiative: is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Ability to work unsupervised.
• Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment.
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate with both subcontractors and representatives of the Employer to ensure all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected.

About you

GRAHAM routes to becoming a Planner (Industrial placements)

Our industrial placements can last from 3-12 months, dependent on your college/university curriculum. On your placement you will be given the support, guidance and experience which will lay the foundations for a great future in a Construction career. Show us what you can do and your placement could lead to a company scholarship award and an offer of employment when you graduate.

The recruitment process

• The closing date for applications will be Friday 8th January 2027.
• Interviews will commence in February 2027.
• Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
• All successful applicants will join the business by September 2027, with some opportunities to start earlier where possible.

We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance.

A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.

GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant’s experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.