1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Planner / Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining and controlling the schedules of MV/HV substation projects delivered by DCS Norway under EPC contracts. The role builds integrated programmes covering engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning, and provides accurate, timely schedule information that allows Project Managers and the leadership team to plan resources, manage risk and meet contractual milestones.

Working closely with Project Managers, Design Engineering, Procurement, Site Management and the Bid team, the Planner / Scheduler monitors progress, analyses critical path and float, identifies delays early and supports the development of recovery plans. The role also supports tender-stage programmes, schedule-related change and delay analysis, and the continuous improvement of DCS Norway's planning standards and tools.

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedule Development

• Develop detailed, resource-loaded baseline schedules for EPC substation projects in line with contract requirements and milestones.

• Define the work breakdown structure (WBS), activity coding and logic in collaboration with project teams.

• Integrate engineering, procurement (including long-lead equipment such as power transformers and switchgear), construction, testing and commissioning activities.

• Incorporate client, grid-owner and outage constraints, permits, seasonal and weather windows into the programme.

• Prepare tender-stage programmes and method-based duration estimates to support the Bid team.

Progress Monitoring & Control

• Update project schedules at agreed intervals with actual progress from site, engineering and procurement.

• Analyse critical and near-critical paths, float consumption and schedule performance.

• Identify delays, risks and trends early, and support Project Managers in developing mitigation and recovery plans.

• Maintain look-ahead programmes (e.g. 3–6 week) for site teams and coordinate with Site Managers and subcontractors.

• Track key milestones, interfaces and dependencies across multiple concurrent projects.

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce clear weekly and monthly schedule reports, progress curves (S-curves) and dashboards for internal and client use.

• Support earned value analysis and progress measurement together with Project Controls and Finance.

• Prepare schedule narratives and contractual programme submissions in line with client requirements.

• Present schedule status, risks and forecasts at project and management review meetings.

• Provide resource histograms and forecasts to support company-wide resource planning.

Change, Delay & Risk Management

• Assess the time impact of changes, variations and delay events, and prepare time impact analyses.

• Support the preparation of extension-of-time and change notifications in line with contract conditions.

• Maintain accurate schedule records and revision history to support claims and dispute avoidance.

• Contribute to project risk registers and schedule risk analysis (e.g. P50/P80 assessments).

• Ensure subcontractor and supplier schedules are reviewed, aligned and integrated into the master programme.

Planning Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain planning procedures, templates, activity libraries and coding structures.

• Capture actual durations and productivity data from completed projects to improve future planning accuracy.

• Support the implementation and best use of planning software and tools across the organisation.

• Train and support Project Managers and site teams in planning principles and schedule updating.

• Travel to project sites in Norway and Finland as required for planning workshops and progress verification.

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil or Mechanical), Construction Management or a related field. Planning or project controls certification (e.g. AACE PSP, PMI-SP) is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a planner or scheduler on engineering and construction projects.

• Experience planning MV/HV substation, power transmission, renewable energy or other energy infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

• Experience with EPC or design-and-build projects, integrating engineering, procurement and construction activities.

• Proven experience managing schedules for several concurrent projects.

• Exposure to delay analysis, change management and contractual programme requirements.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6; experience with Microsoft Project is an advantage.

• Strong understanding of critical path method (CPM), resource loading, baselining and progress measurement.

• Knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and project controls principles.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools is a plus.

• Understanding of contract forms used in the Nordics and internationally (e.g. NS 8405/NS 8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC) in relation to time and programme.

• Familiarity with schedule risk analysis tools (e.g. Primavera Risk Analysis, Safran Risk) is an advantage.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus).

• Must hold the right to work in the EU/EEA and be available for travel to Norway and Finland as required.

• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.

• Confident communicator, able to challenge assumptions and present schedule information clearly to all levels.

• Collaborative team player, working effectively with engineering, site and commercial teams.

4. Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Baseline schedules submitted and approved on time for each project

• Schedule updates and reports issued on time at the agreed reporting cycle

• Schedule forecast accuracy: variance between forecast and actual milestone dates

• Early identification of delays and risks, with mitigation plans in place before milestones are affected.

• Quality of schedules against planning standards (logic, open ends, constraints, float) at internal audits.

5. HSE

• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures.

• Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities, ensuring that designs and solutions prioritise the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.

• Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role.

• Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures.

• Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects.

• Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards.
  

6. Replacement Policy

• In case of absence of less than one month, the Planner / Scheduler will be replaced by the Project Manager.

• For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management. Internal or external recruitment may apply, according to DCS Norway replacement policy guideline

• The replacement person will assume the key responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity in planning and project controls activities.

7. BENEFITS

• Addition of variable performance based 0-10% (annual) bonus. This will depend on company and personal performance, and is further subject to an annual performance review;

• A meal allowance of €10,46 per working day, provided via meal card;

• Private health insurance coverage for the employee;

• 22 working days of annual leave, in accordance with Portuguese Labour
  Law;

• When you are out of Portugal for work, we will offer the nominal Portugal allowance (approximately €89 per day with 50% payment for last travel day), but the company will pay the accommodation and travel costs (which will be reflected in the contract). When you are away and are paid the daily living away allowance, the meal card payment is not payable.