At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for large-scale data centre projects and drive strategic client relationships.
- Company: Accenture, a global leader in professional services with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal phase of growth and make a real impact on mission-critical projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale data centre projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. With our thought leadership and culture of innovation, we apply industry expertise, diverse skill sets and next-generation technology to each business challenge. We believe in inclusion and diversity and supporting the whole person. Our core values comprise of Stewardship, Best People, Client Value Creation, One Global Network, Respect for the Individual and Integrity.
We're seeking an exceptional Data Centre Lead Planner to lead programme delivery for large-scale, mission-critical data centre projects serving the world's most demanding clients. As a senior member of our project delivery team, you'll drive strategic client relationships, lead high-performing project teams, and deliver complex hyperscale and colocation developments from inception to completion. This role requires regular travel to Norway, to support project delivery, client engagement, and on-site leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end planning and scheduling for major data centre programmes, ensuring alignment with commercial, technical, and operational goals to control time, cost, quality objectives, and scope.
- Serve as senior point of contact for planning matters with clients, fostering trusted partnerships through clear communication.
- Provide strategic oversight of programme schedules, critical path analysis, baseline management, and progress tracking.
- Drive integrated project governance, reporting, and performance management across multiple workstreams.
- Lead and mentor planning teams, fostering accountability, high performance, and knowledge sharing.
- Provide on-site planning leadership during key project phases, including regular travel to construction sites.
- Oversee development and maintenance of robust performance measurement baseline to enable accurate progress and performance tracking aligned with client goals and objectives.
- Identify, analyse, and mitigate scheduling risks and critical path threats.
- Challenge construction phasing and sequencing to optimise programme delivery and value engineering.
- Ensure robust schedule health, forecasting, and earned value performance reporting.
- Support contract schedule requirements and delay/disruption analysis as required.
- Contribute to business development through planning expertise in proposals and client presentations.
- Champion digital planning tools, BIM integration, and innovative scheduling methodologies.
- Uphold Soben's Leadership Principles in all client and internal engagements.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant experience delivering large-scale, mission-critical data centre or hyperscale infrastructure projects.
- Proven track record leading complex construction programmes (£100m+ value) as Lead Planner/Senior Scheduler.
- Advanced proficiency with management information tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and Asta Powerproject.
- Advanced proficiency with planning methodologies independent of management information software used, and ability to adapt across different platforms.
- Strong commercial scheduling awareness with expertise in cost/schedule integration and earned value management.
- Experience operating at senior stakeholder level, managing executive client relationships.
- Demonstrable leadership of high-performing, geographically diverse planning teams.
- Deep understanding of data centre construction methodologies, phasing, commissioning, and MEP constraints.
- Comfortable with travel, including regular travel to construction sites.
- Experience with NEC, JCT, FIDIC or other major contract forms used across Europe.
- Strategic thinker able to translate high-level objectives into executable, resource-loaded schedules.
- Strong analytical skills for delay analysis, forensic scheduling, and claims support.
- Outstanding communication skills for presenting complex schedule information clearly.
Lead Planner - Data Centre in England employer: Accenture Construct
At Accenture Construct, we are not just building infrastructure; we are shaping the future of how communities thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our serious investment in leadership development and technical upskilling, ensuring that you have the tools to excel in your career. With a collaborative work culture that values innovation and diversity, you'll be part of a team that tackles complex projects while making a meaningful impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Planner - Data Centre in England
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Accenture Construct, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Lead Planner - Data Centre at Accenture Construct.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Planner - Data Centre in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accenture Construct
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
