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- 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 significant impact in a fast-paced environment while mentoring junior planners.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning management and strong Data Centre project knowledge.
- 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 Manager employer: Lumen Search
Contact Detail:
Lumen Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent Data Centre initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews by discussing specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. We love hearing about real-life examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can go a long way. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, making you stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience with Data Centre projects and any relevant planning tools like Primavera P6. We want to see how your skills match 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 your past successes in planning and stakeholder management. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others or led planning workshops. We’re looking for someone who can drive standards and inspire a team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
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 planning strategies. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead effectively.
✨Master the Tools of the Trade
Since proficiency in Primavera P6 or similar tools is crucial, brush up on your skills with these planning tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've used them in past projects to manage timelines and resources effectively. Demonstrating your technical expertise can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll need to lead teams and mentor junior planners. Think of examples where you've successfully led planning workshops or stakeholder engagements. Highlight your ability to drive best practices and how you've supported your team in achieving project goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding programme risks and delays. Prepare scenarios where you had to challenge contractor schedules or implement mitigation strategies. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to handle complex project environments.