Associate Director (Planning) Data Centre

Job Title - Associate Director (Planning)

Project - Major Hyperscale Data Centre Programme

Location - Central London

Salary - Highly competitive salary package including bonus, car allowance, travel expenses, and comprehensive benefits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Associate Director (Planning) to lead the planning and project controls function on a flagship hyperscale data centre programme. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a candidate with a proven background delivering large-scale, technically complex M&E and mission-critical projects.

You will play a pivotal role in driving integrated project planning, programme controls, and delivery strategy across a multidisciplinary team, ensuring alignment with key project milestones, commissioning requirements, cost objectives, and client expectations.

The Project

This landmark development forms part of a major data centre expansion programme being delivered by a leading Tier 1 contractor for a global technology client. The project involves the delivery of a state-of-the-art, mission-critical facility designed to the highest operational resilience and sustainability standards.

Key features of the development include:

• Large-scale hyperscale data halls and supporting infrastructure
• Complex M&E systems including HV/LV distribution, UPS, generators, CRAH/CRAC cooling systems, and BMS integration
• Extensive commissioning and integrated systems testing requirements
• High-specification security, resilience, and redundancy standards
• Fast-track construction and phased handover strategy
• Sustainability-focused design aligned with energy efficiency and operational performance targets

The successful candidate must have demonstrable experience delivering major data centre or mission-critical projects and a strong understanding of complex M&E packages, commissioning processes, and live programme environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the project master programme from preconstruction through commissioning, client handover, and operational readiness
• Develop and maintain fully integrated, resource-loaded programmes using Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project
• Lead planning and project controls across all construction, M&E, commissioning, and client workstreams
• Drive earned value management (EVM), progress measurement, and programme performance reporting
• Conduct risk-based schedule analysis, time impact assessments, and mitigation planning
• Work closely with project directors, commercial teams, consultants, subcontractors, and client stakeholders to maintain programme integrity
• Manage and coordinate commissioning and testing schedules in line with mission-critical delivery requirements
• Produce clear, data-driven reporting for both operational and executive-level stakeholders
• Mentor and develop planning teams while embedding best-practice planning and controls processes
• Ensure programme alignment with procurement schedules, contractual obligations, and NEC-based delivery frameworks

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience leading the planning function on large-scale data centre, mission-critical, or major M&E-led construction projects
• Strong background working with Tier 1 contractors or specialist mission-critical delivery environments
• Excellent understanding of complex M&E systems, commissioning sequences, and phased handover processes
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project
• Strong project controls expertise including EVM, risk management, change control, and reporting
• Experience administering programmes under NEC3/NEC4 or similar contract forms
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders, consultants, subcontractors, and client teams
• Degree-qualified in construction, engineering, or related discipline
• Professional membership (APM, CIOB, ICE, RICS or equivalent) preferred

If this opportunity aligns with your experience, please apply with your latest CV.