SENIOR PROJECT PLANNER – DATA CENTRES Manchester | Hybrid £80,000–£85,000 + Comprehensive Benefits Permanent Position TAKE OWNERSHIP OF MAJOR DATA CENTRE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMES An established international data centre and critical infrastructure specialist is seeking an accomplished Senior Project Planner to lead the planning and programming of complex, multidisciplinary construction projects. Working on projects valued between £10m and £100m, you will take responsibility for integrated construction programmes covering Civil, Structural and Architectural (CSA) and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) disciplines. This is an opportunity for an experienced planning professional with proven expertise across the COMPLETE PROJECT LIFECYCLE, from concept, tender and pre-construction through construction delivery, commissioning and final handover. THE ROLE You will work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, engineering teams, specialist subcontractors and clients to develop and maintain accurate, achievable construction programmes. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and manage tender, pre-construction and detailed construction programmes using Asta Powerproject. • Own integrated multidisciplinary master programmes covering CSA and MEP packages. • Coordinate construction sequencing across groundworks, foundations, structural works, building envelopes, mechanical installations and electrical infrastructure. • Manage programme interfaces between engineering disciplines, specialist subcontractors and construction delivery teams. • Develop and maintain critical path programmes, identifying dependencies, risks and potential delays. • Monitor progress against baseline programmes, producing accurate reports and programme forecasts. • Develop recovery programmes and mitigation strategies to address delays and maintain project milestones. • Integrate testing, commissioning and handover activities into the overall construction programme. • Collaborate with design teams, project management, engineering specialists and supply-chain partners. • Present programme updates, risks and recommendations to senior stakeholders and clients. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS • Extensive experience as a Senior Project Planner, Senior Construction Planner, Lead Planner or Planning Manager. • Excellent hands-on proficiency in Asta Powerproject – MANDATORY. • Proven planning experience across ALL phases of the construction project lifecycle, from pre-construction through commissioning and handover. • Demonstrable experience developing and managing integrated multidisciplinary construction programmes covering BOTH CSA and MEP disciplines. • Strong pre-construction and tender programming experience. • Comprehensive understanding of construction methodologies, buildability, sequencing and critical path analysis. • Experience planning complex data centre, mission-critical or comparable major engineering construction projects. • Experience managing construction delivery programmes, progress reporting, risk management and programme recovery. • Strong stakeholder management, communication and technical coordination skills. • Ability to commute to Manchester for a hybrid working arrangement. DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE • Hyperscale or colocation data centre projects. • Major construction projects valued between £10m and £100m. • Previous engineering, technical design or site engineering experience. • Integrated systems testing and commissioning. • Pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing or complex critical infrastructure projects. • Relevant engineering, construction management or project planning qualifications. SALARY & BENEFITS • £80,000–£85,000 basic annual salary • Car allowance • Employer pension scheme • Private medical insurance • Annual performance-related bonus • Life assurance • Hybrid working arrangements • Structured career development and progression Exact benefit terms are subject to confirmation. WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY? Join an established international specialist operating in the rapidly growing data centre and critical infrastructure sector. You will contribute to technically challenging construction programmes, working alongside experienced engineering and project delivery professionals. The position offers significant responsibility, exposure to major UK infrastructure projects and excellent opportunities for long-term career development. APPLY NOW If you are an experienced Senior Project Planner with advanced Asta Powerproject skills and proven multidisciplinary planning experience across the complete construction lifecycle, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Apply with your CV or contact Zander at Open Space by Build Space to discuss this opportunity in confidence
Senior Project Planner – Data Centres in Manchester employer: Build Space Group Ltd
Build Space is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where quality and delivery are paramount. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work on prestigious projects across various sectors, including Industrial & Logistics and Sports & Leisure, while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join a team that values your expertise and fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Planner – Data Centres in Manchester
✨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 Build Space Group Ltd, 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 Senior Project Planner – Data Centres at Build Space Group Ltd.
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 Build Space Group Ltd
✨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!
