Planning Lead / Planning Manager

We are supporting a leading project management consultancy in the appointment of a Planning Lead / Planning Manager . This senior role will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across large-scale MEP and data centre programmes delivered throughout Europe.

The position combines technical planning expertise with leadership responsibility, overseeing multiple delivery teams and ensuring that project schedules, performance metrics, and risk strategies are fully aligned with overall programme objectives.

The role is open to locals wishing to work full-time or on a rotational basis.

The Role

As a senior member of the consultancy team, you will be responsible for shaping and leading planning strategy from early design through to commissioning and handover. You will work closely with clients, contractors, and internal teams to deliver integrated, reliable programmes that support confident decision-making and predictable outcomes.

This is a highly engaged role that balances analytical rigour with on-site involvement. You will regularly interface with construction teams to validate progress, challenge assumptions, and ensure that programme data reflects real-world delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and governance of integrated schedules across complex, multi-discipline projects.
• Provide oversight and direction to planning and project controls teams supporting live projects.
• Ensure alignment between programme, cost, risk, and performance reporting.
• Drive consistent planning standards, methodologies, and best practices across the portfolio.
• Support risk analysis, forecasting, and recovery planning to maintain programme certainty.
• Translate complex schedule data into clear, meaningful insights for senior stakeholders and clients.
• Promote the use of digital tools, data-led decision-making, and modern delivery techniques.
• Maintain close engagement with site teams to validate progress, sequencing, and constructability.

Candidate Profile

• 8–12 years’ experience in planning, scheduling, or project controls within complex construction environments, ideally MEP or data centre projects .
• Advanced capability in Primavera P6 , with a strong grasp of logic development, critical path analysis, and resource planning.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring planning teams across multiple project phases.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and site-based delivery challenges.
• Familiarity with structured project management methodologies and WBS-based programme development.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse performance data, forecast outcomes, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and simplify complex information.
• Clear interest in advancing construction delivery through digitalisation, data, and technology .

What’s Offered

This opportunity provides the chance to join a forward-thinking consultancy that actively invests in innovation, technology, and its people. The role offers a collaborative, modern working environment alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Employer pension contribution
• Health and wellbeing cover
• Contemporary, technology-enabled office environment
• Structured career development focused on innovation and digital delivery
• Ergonomic workspaces, including sit/stand desks
• Educational support and professional development funding
• Wellbeing initiatives supporting both mental and physical health