Lead Planner

Role Purpose

A Lead Planner responsible for developing detailed mechanical job plans, creating field‑ready work packages, and coordinating multi‑discipline planning activities to support a refinery or petrochemical Turnaround (TA). This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost‑effective execution of all mechanical work during the event.

Core Responsibilities Planning & Job Package Development

• Build detailed job plans including steps, durations, manpower, materials, equipment, drawings, safety plans, and cost estimates.
  
  
• Create complete field execution packages for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, rotating equipment, analyzers, and fixed equipment work.
  
  
• Develop Gantt charts, milestone plans, and resource requirements.
  
  
• Walk down job scopes, verify drawings, and update plans based on field conditions.
  
  

Turnaround Coordination

• Work closely with the Scheduler to integrate job plans into the overall TA schedule.
  
  
• Perform critical and near‑critical path analysis.
  
  
• Coordinate multi‑craft planning and ensure alignment across disciplines.
  
  
• Support change management: scope changes, field change orders, and plan adjustments.
  
  

Execution Support

• Communicate daily with execution teams to validate plan effectiveness.
  
  
• Update plans based on execution feedback and approved change orders.
  
  
• Support shutdown/startup planning and operations‑related job plans.
  
  
• Confirm progress of key milestones and steward schedule updates.
  
  

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Apply company TA procedures, safety standards, and permitting systems.
  
  
• Conduct PSSR reviews, create punchlists, and verify contractor execution.
  
  
• Ensure materials, contracts, logistics, and site mobilization/demobilization plans are in place.
  
  
• Participate in IR/TR reviews, peer assists, and post‑TA walkdowns.
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in turnaround planning or a closely related mechanical planning role.
  
  
• Strong mechanical knowledge: piping, welding, boilers, rotating equipment, electrical, instrumentation, NDE/X‑ray.
  
  
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometrics, mechanical drawings, and redlines.
  
  
• Familiarity with MOC and PSSR processes.
  
  
• Strong communication and coordination skills across multiple workgroups.
  
  
• Intermediate MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  
  
• Safety‑focused mindset with training in PPE, SCBA, fall protection, and site access.
  
  
• Physically able to perform field walkdowns (climbing, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs).
  
  

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.