The Role of Planning Engineers in High-Performance Infrastructure Projects

In high-performance infrastructure projects, where budgets can stretch into the billions and timelines span multiple years, success depends on more than bricks and steel. It hinges on precision planning. Planning Engineers are the backbone of this effort—synchronising scope, resources, risks, and deadlines. At Murray & Joy, our Planning Engineers help deliver clarity, control, and confidence across every phase of delivery.

What Do Planning Engineers Do?

Planning Engineers develop, maintain, and manage schedules for complex construction or engineering projects. But their role is far more strategic than just updating timelines:

• Programme Sequencing: They define logical task dependencies to create a critical path to delivery

• Progress Monitoring: They track real-time progress, updating forecasts to reflect actuals

• Scenario Analysis: They test “what-if” situations using tools like Primavera P6 or Powerproject

• Stakeholder Reporting: They produce dashboards and reports for clients, sponsors, and delivery teams

• Risk Identification: They flag schedule risks before they escalate into costly delays

Why They’re Critical in High-Performance Projects

Large-scale programmes—such as rail upgrades, new energy facilities, or urban regeneration—depend on accurate timeframes to unlock funding, meet regulatory milestones, and coordinate complex supply chains.

Planning Engineers enable this by:

✅ Ensuring sequencing reflects site realities
✅ Flagging impacts from design changes or procurement slips
✅ Providing earned value insights and float consumption
✅ Enabling informed decisions via transparent dashboards

Case Study: Infrastructure Upgrade Programme

On a recent multi-phase rail infrastructure upgrade (£650M value), our Planning Engineers integrated rolling stock mobilisation with overhead line replacement. By adjusting delivery sequencing through collaborative reforecasting, we helped recover 22 days on a key milestone—saving the client an estimated £1.3M in penalties.

Modern Tools They Use

Our Planning Engineers work with the industry’s top tools:

Conclusion

Planning Engineers are not just schedulers—they are strategic enablers of delivery. At Murray & Joy, our Planning specialists help complex infrastructure programmes stay ahead of time and risk, through foresight, analysis, and collaboration.

Need Programme Clarity?

Talk to us about how our Planning Engineers can enhance your project’s performance. Get in touch for interim support, full project resourcing, or performance turnarounds.