Innovative Planning Manager (Data Centres/Buildings/High-tech/Infrastructure) - UK (Hybrid) in Reading

Laminar Projects is a high‑end project management consultancy and technology developer that specialises in improving how construction projects are delivered. Are you a seasoned construction planner tired of the old‑fashioned ways of working in construction? Do you get satisfaction from making processes run more efficiently with common sense and technology?

The Role

Purpose of the role: You will be enhancing the delivery of the world’s most complex projects through the power of project planning. You will be a senior leader in our team, pushing the discipline to new heights within Laminar and the industry.

Your team

• Understanding what the real problems of projects are
• Implementing the best solutions to those problems
• Developing scalable best practices, tools and technology

Your top three objectives

• Make construction projects deliver to near perfection
• Create scalable and repeatable solutions to common problems
• Develop yourself and everyone around you

Your Top Five Responsibilities

• Own the plan: Own the project plan for one or more projects and ensure the project is working to it effectively. Ensure delays are mitigated and managed commercially.
• Own the outcome: Ensure the project’s understanding and focus on the plan, even when they are stubborn.
• Report and inform: Provide simple actionable reports to stakeholders at all levels that help them deliver their part of the project more efficiently and effectively.
• Make scalable solutions: Develop scalable and repeatable best practices and tools in collaboration with the team so that long‑term impact is achieved.
• Develop everyone: Maximise the development of your team personally and professionally and educate our clients to improve as well.

You must have:

• A construction engineering background: Solid construction project planning capability that takes into account strategic objectives and the broad context you operate in.
• Communication skills: Proficient in written and verbal English with the charisma and influence to get construction people to adopt new approaches.
• Leadership capabilities: Proactively lead yourself and others by asking the right questions and challenging them. Proven leader, coach, and developer of teams.
• Impact: Track record of making projects and organisations better beyond the basics – implementing scalable, repeatable solutions that have had a significant positive impact.

Laminar isn’t the place for you if any of the following is true:

• You want an easy, chilled‑out role without much challenge
• You like to be the smartest person in the room
• You don’t like continuously receiving honest candid feedback
• You prefer to do your own thing rather than work with a team

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of projects would I be working on? It’s common to be exposed to several projects in the first year. You’ll work on some of the most complex and interesting environments in the world – data centres, infrastructure (defence, rail, and highways), high‑tech (advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors), or complex building projects. These are dynamic, hands‑on environments designed for people who want to be challenged.

Who are our clients? Major owners/operators and main contractors with project values between £1m and £1bn+ globally.

Where would I be working? Work from home, travel to sites, attend London workshops, or fly to European or Middle Eastern locations – whatever fits your preferences and lifestyle.

Benefits

The standard stuff:

• Health Insurance Scheme – comprehensive private health coverage for you and your family.
• Pension Scheme – a competitive plan to help you plan for the long term, with salary sacrifice options.
• Bonus Scheme – as a permanent team member you share in our success. Annual bonus rewards both current and future performance.
• Professional body membership – one fee covered per year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – a tax‑efficient way to get wheels and help the environment.

The life‑changing stuff:

• In‑house coaching – regular 1:1 coaching sessions, fully confidential, to help you navigate challenges, build self‑awareness, and grow professionally and personally.
• Equity upside – a generous equity scheme that grows with the company.
• Flexible working – work where it makes sense; most of our team works from home, visits sites or clients regularly.
• Relentless development – a culture that challenges you to keep levelling up, with a coach, mentor, honest feedback, and continuous learning.