Forensic Planner/Claims Consultant/Delay Analyst

About the Role

We are seeking a heavyweight, highly experienced Senior Forensic Delay Analyst/Claims Specialist for an urgent, immediate-start contract. This is a senior-only appointment requiring a professional who can step in without hand-holding to dissect complex project histories, reconstruct timelines, and provide strategic clarity on high-stakes disputes.

If you are available immediately, operate with high autonomy at a senior tier, and are looking for a lucrative contract role strictly Inside IR35, we want to speak with you today.

Key Responsibilities

• As a Senior Specialist, you will take full ownership of the forensic delay process, providing high-level expertise to clients and legal teams. You will:
• Analyze & Investigate: Undertake forensic delay analyses using recognized industry methodologies. Investigate the root causes of project delays, identify critical path impacts, and analyze project programmes, progress records, and contemporaneous documentation.
• Claim Preparation & Defence: Prepare, assess, and quantify entitlement to Extension of Time (EOT) claims under various forms of contract. Support the preparation and defence of claims relating to delay, disruption, acceleration, and prolongation.
• Expert Support & Reporting: Produce detailed, high-quality technical reports for clients, legal teams, adjudications, arbitrations, and litigation proceedings. Assist in preparing expert witness reports and actively review/challenge opposing expert reports.
• Project Assurance & Advisory: Conduct programme audits and risk assessments on live projects. Provide strategic advice to project teams regarding programme management and dispute avoidance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage directly and confidently with clients, contractors, subcontractors, solicitors, and barristers.

Required Experience & Skills

• This is a senior position. To be considered for the top end of the rate band, you must demonstrate:
• Seniority: A minimum of 5+ years (typically 8+ preferred for senior autonomy) in construction planning, project controls, delay analysis, or claims consultancy on major infrastructure or construction projects.
• Software Mastery: Strong, advanced hands-on experience using Asta Powerproject.
• Core Competencies: A proven track record of independently preparing, reviewing, or defending complex EOT claims, backed by a thorough understanding of Critical Path Methodology (CPM).
• Contractual Awareness: Strong contractual acumen, particularly under NEC and JCT forms of contract.
• Communication: Exceptional report writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present complex technical issues clearly and concisely to legal counsel and stakeholders.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Previous consultancy, dispute resolution, or expert witness support experience.
• Familiarity with recognized delay analysis techniques (Time Impact, Windows, Impacted As-Planned, As-Planned vs As-Built, Collapsed As-Built).
• Experience supporting adjudication, arbitration, mediation, or litigation proceedings.
• Understanding of disruption/productivity claims and knowledge of the SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol.
• Professional qualifications/charterships: AACE International (PSP, CCP, or DRMP), CIOB, RICS, ICE, or APM.

Contract Details

• Financials: £600 - £750 per day, dependent on depth of forensic experience.
• Compliance: Strictly Inside IR35 (paid via compliant umbrella company).
• Timeline: Urgent requirement. Immediate interviews for an ASAP start.