At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategy and manage teams for major data centre projects.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing construction businesses with a turnover exceeding £1bn.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary of £130k plus bonus, car allowance, and additional benefits.
- Other info: Flexible location across the South East, London, or Home Counties.
- Why this job: This role offers direct access to senior leadership and influence over project strategy.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in major construction projects and expertise in Primavera P6 required.
A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Planning Manager to join one of the UK's fastest-growing construction businesses and lead planning delivery across a portfolio of major data centre projects. With annual turnover exceeding 1bn and a strong reputation for delivering complex projects across multiple sectors, the business combines the capability, financial strength and project pipeline of a major contractor with the agility and accessibility of a much smaller organisation. This is not a business where decisions disappear into layers of management. You'll have direct access to senior leadership, genuine influence over project strategy, and the ability to make things happen without navigating unnecessary bureaucracy.
As the Data Centre division continues its expansion, you will play a key leadership role overseeing planning teams across multiple live and pre‑construction schemes, helping shape project delivery from bid stage through to completion.
The Role
- Lead planning strategy across a portfolio of major data centre projects.
- Manage and mentor project planners and planning teams.
- Drive programme development, optimisation and reporting.
- Provide strategic planning support during pre‑construction and tender stages.
- Challenge project teams to identify risks, opportunities and efficiencies.
- Work closely with operational, commercial and design teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Present programme information to senior stakeholders and clients.
- Establish planning best practice across the division.
About You
- A proven track record delivering major construction projects.
- Experience working for a principal contractor environment.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Expertise in Primavera P6 and programme management.
- The ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Data centre, mission critical, life sciences, advanced manufacturing or similarly complex project experience would be advantageous.
Senior Planning Manager employer: Fawkes & Reece London
This company is known for delivering complex projects across multiple sectors and values agility. With a strong financial foundation and a growing data centre division, employees benefit from a collaborative environment and direct access to decision-makers. The role is based in the South East, London, or Home Counties, offering flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager
✨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 Fawkes & Reece London, 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 Planning Manager at Fawkes & Reece London.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Manager
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 Fawkes & Reece London
✨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!
