Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London
Planning & Strategy Manager

Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London

City of London Full-Time 125000 - 135000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Lumen Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning for large-scale Data Centre projects and ensure timely delivery.
  • Company: Join a leading consultancy with a focus on innovative project management.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel allowance, pension, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while mentoring junior planners.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning management, especially in Data Centre projects, is essential.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 125000 - 135000 £ per year.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Planning Manager to join a leading cost and project management consultancy supporting the delivery of large-scale Data Centre projects. This is a senior, client-facing role where the successful candidate will provide strategic planning oversight across major programmes, working closely with clients, contractors, and consultants to ensure projects are delivered on programme. The role requires a strong leader who can drive planning standards, challenge programmes, and provide expert guidance across complex, fast-paced project environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the planning function across multiple Data Centre projects from a consultancy perspective
  • Provide independent programme oversight, review, and challenge contractor schedules
  • Develop and implement planning strategies aligned with client objectives
  • Advise clients on programme risks, delays, and mitigation strategies
  • Review and analyse contractor programmes, progress, and sequencing
  • Produce high-level reports and present programme updates to clients and senior stakeholders
  • Support project teams in establishing realistic and achievable timelines
  • Drive best practice in planning processes, controls, and reporting
  • Lead planning workshops, progress meetings, and stakeholder engagements
  • Mentor and support junior planners within the consultancy team

Requirements

  • Proven experience in a Planning Manager or Senior Planner role within a consultancy or client-side environment
  • Strong Data Centre project experience is essential
  • Deep understanding of construction programmes, sequencing, and risk management
  • Experience reviewing and challenging contractor programmes
  • Proficiency in Primavera P6 or similar planning tools
  • Strong stakeholder management and client-facing experience
  • Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills
  • Ability to operate at a strategic level while maintaining attention to detail
  • Based in or able to commute to London, with minimum 3 days per week on-site / office

Package

  • Salary circa £125,000 – £135,000 - DOE
  • Travel allowance
  • Pension
  • Full benefits package available on application

Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London employer: Lumen Search

Join a leading cost and project management consultancy in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior planners and lead significant Data Centre projects, all while enjoying a competitive salary, travel allowance, and comprehensive benefits. Our supportive culture encourages strategic thinking and offers a platform for meaningful contributions to high-profile projects.
Lumen Search

Contact Detail:

Lumen Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Ace the Interview

Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also a great addition to their team culture!

✨Follow Up

After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe this small step can make a big difference in how they perceive you as a candidate.

✨Apply Through Our Website

When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London

Strategic Planning
Project Management
Data Centre Project Experience
Construction Programme Understanding
Risk Management
Contractor Programme Review
Primavera P6
Stakeholder Management
Client-Facing Experience
Communication Skills
Reporting Skills
Presentation Skills
Attention to Detail
Mentoring Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning & Strategy Manager role. Highlight your experience with Data Centre projects and any relevant planning tools like Primavera P6. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led planning functions or tackled challenges in previous projects. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored junior planners or led workshops. We’re keen on seeing how you can drive planning standards and engage with stakeholders.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lumen Search

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Data Centre projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your strategic planning. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead.

✨Master the Tools of the Trade

Familiarise yourself with Primavera P6 or any other planning tools mentioned in the job description. If you can demonstrate your proficiency during the interview, it’ll give you a significant edge. Consider preparing a brief example of how you've used these tools effectively in past projects.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios

Since this role involves a lot of client-facing interaction, think about past experiences where you had to manage stakeholder expectations or resolve conflicts. Prepare a couple of scenarios to discuss, highlighting your communication skills and strategic thinking.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Planning & Strategy Manager, you'll need to lead teams and mentor junior planners. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you’ve successfully guided teams in the past. Sharing specific examples will help illustrate your capability to drive best practices in planning.

Planning & Strategy Manager in City of London
Lumen Search
Location: City of London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>