Project Planner

About MDO Architects

MDO Architects is an acclaimed, design-forward commercial architectural firm with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, educational, workplace, hospitality, and commercial office projects across Ireland, Europe, and the USA. The firm prides itself on its dynamic and international team of over 50 professionals from 14 different nationalities, maintaining a balanced gender composition with 45% female employees. The practice operates under ISO certified processes, including BIM and digital data management compliant with NSAI ISO19650 standards, overseen by dedicated Technical Director and BIM Manager roles. Staff are encouraged to develop their potential at all levels within the organisation based on ability and ambition.

Role Overview

We invite applications for an organised and strategic Project Planner to join our expanding architectural team in Dublin. This pivotal position involves planning and coordinating staff resource allocation on architectural projects throughout all phases from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will possess a construction background combined with strong capabilities in technical design understanding, project delivery, and resource planning, collaborating closely with Directors, Project Architects, Architectural Technologists, and external consultants to guarantee projects are effectively managed and resourced.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage detailed technical delivery plans and project programmes for architectural assignments.
• Maintain up-to-date schedules and monitor progress, recommending adjustments as necessary to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate with Directors and team leaders to assign architectural staff according to project demands, skill sets, and current workload capacity.
• Forecast resource needs across multiple ongoing projects and identify potential constraints, proposing practical solutions to ensure timely delivery.
• Oversee project controls by tracking progress with respect to timelines, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Prepare and present regular reports detailing project planning and resource utilization.
• Contribute to risk identification and mitigation strategies within projects.
• Support ongoing refinement and enhancement of project delivery processes within the firm.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in a construction-related field of study.
• At least five years’ experience working in an architectural practice.
• Good knowledge of the RIAI Work Stages and the architectural project delivery lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience with planning architectural project workloads efficiently.
• Excellent organisational aptitude and strong analytical skills.
• Proficient communication skills and capability to manage diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project, or comparable project planning applications.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with Rapport resource management software.
• Understanding of project management methodologies.
• Experience in using project management software tools.

Personal Traits

• Strategic thinker with acute attention to detail.
• Enjoys addressing and resolving planning and resource challenges.
• Highly organised and capable of prioritising effectively.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building collaborative multidisciplinary relationships.
• Proactive, adaptable, and focused on practical solutions.
• Balances technical excellence with schedule and commercial imperatives.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Chance to influence strategic project planning within a progressive architectural practice.
• Work on a varied portfolio of premier projects.
• Supportive and team-oriented working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Salary aligned with experience along with pension contributions.
• Hybrid working options where applicable.
• Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Comprehensive employee benefits including pension scheme, paid maternity leave, VHI insurance and dental plan, professional subscription fees (RIAI, RIBA, CIAT), competitive annual leave, tuition fee assistance, paid study leave, flexible hours, tax saver and bike to work schemes, and engaging company events.