Why Commercial Awareness Matters for Planners | Infraspec

One of the biggest career opportunities for Planners and Project Controls professionals is developing a strong understanding of the commercial side of projects.

You don’t need to be a Quantity Surveyor.

But understanding how programme changes can affect the commercial position of a project can make you far more valuable.

For example:
🔹 How does a delay affect the project commercially?
🔹 What is the impact of a change to the programme?
🔹 How do you identify and evidence delay?
🔹 What is an Extension of Time?
🔹 How do NEC compensation events interact with the programme?
🔹 How can accurate programme updates help demonstrate the impact of change and delay?

The strongest Project Controls teams don’t operate in silos.

Planning + Commercial + Risk + Cost + Project Management need to work together.

For Planners looking to progress into Senior Planner, Project Controls Manager or Project Controls Lead positions, developing that wider understanding can be extremely valuable.
It’s not just about knowing how to use P6.

Understand the project. Understand the contract. Understand the commercial impact.

What do you think is the most important commercial skill for a Planner to develop?

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