At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and project controls for a major hyperscale data centre programme.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor in the tech industry.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, bonuses, car allowance, travel expenses, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic leadership role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on cutting-edge data centre projects with sustainability focus.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale data centre projects and strong M&E systems knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
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.
- 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.
Associate Director (Planning) Data Centre in London employer: Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
As an Associate Director (Planning) for a major hyperscale data centre programme in Central London, you will join a leading Tier 1 contractor renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. The company offers a highly competitive salary package alongside comprehensive benefits, fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on sustainability and operational resilience, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead complex projects while working with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Planning) Data Centre in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission-critical data centre initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in M&E systems and project controls during discussions. Use specific examples from your past projects to demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Planning) Data Centre in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director (Planning) role. Highlight your experience with large-scale data centre projects and complex M&E systems. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in project controls and planning software like Primavera P6 or MS Project. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how you’ve used these tools in past projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of large-scale data centre projects and M&E systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your expertise in planning and project controls.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Think of instances where you mentored others or drove a project to success.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since this role involves a lot of reporting and performance measurement, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions. Bring examples of how you've implemented earned value management (EVM) or conducted risk-based schedule analysis in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working closely with various stakeholders, so practice how you communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Think of ways to demonstrate your ability to engage with senior stakeholders and maintain programme integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
