Planning Director, EMEA in Slough

Vantage is a global leader in data center development, delivering cutting-edge infrastructure solutions for cloud service providers, enterprises, and technology companies. Our team focuses on creating scalable, high-performance, and sustainable data center facilities to meet the growing digital demands of global businesses.

The Planning Director is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive planning and scheduling of data center development projects from inception to delivery. This role includes driving schedule coordination, risk management, and customer-facing stakeholder engagement across diverse regions. You will be critical in ensuring that global data center projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with customer expectations. The role demands extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure or construction projects, combined with an ability to manage multiple stakeholders across geographies.

• Master Scheduling & Project Coordination: Develop, maintain, and manage master schedules for global data center development projects, ensuring alignment with key milestones and deliverables. Work collaboratively with internal teams (design, construction, procurement, etc.) and external partners (contractors, vendors, and consultants) to ensure that all schedules are aligned with project timelines. Oversee the coordination of project tasks to ensure that site acquisition, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning activities are properly sequenced.
• Stakeholder Management: Lead schedule-related discussions with global customers, ensuring that their requirements and expectations are integrated into project timelines. Serve as the main point of contact for customer stakeholders regarding schedule management, providing clear, timely updates and addressing concerns proactively. Ensure alignment between customer project teams, internal departments, and external contractors to maintain project momentum and transparency.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify potential scheduling risks throughout the lifecycle of the project, including delays related to permitting, procurement, contractor availability, and construction execution. Develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies to address potential bottlenecks and prevent delays, ensuring that contingency plans are in place for critical path activities. Perform continuous risk analysis to proactively identify emerging risks and adapt schedules accordingly to maintain project goals. Conduct detailed impact assessments for any schedule deviations and collaborate with project teams to resolve conflicts.
• Leadership in Schedule Development: Lead the overall schedule development process for new data center projects, ensuring alignment with company standards, customer goals, and local regulations. Provide leadership in integrating detailed schedules across various disciplines, such as civil engineering, mechanical and electrical systems, and IT infrastructure, to ensure on-time delivery.
• Scheduling Tools & Software Utilization: Utilize industry-standard scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project) to develop, track, and update schedules in real-time, ensuring best practices are implemented across all projects. Provide scheduling expertise to project teams, assisting with resource allocation, timeline adjustments, and workflow optimization.
• Data Analytics & Reporting: Generate regular reports on project schedule performance, identifying key variances and areas for improvement. Provide detailed schedule forecasts and risk reports for senior leadership and key customer stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making. Ensure transparent communication of any schedule changes or delays, providing clear explanations of the impact and mitigation steps.
• Risk Mitigation & Crisis Management: Develop robust risk mitigation frameworks to respond to project crises or unexpected delays, ensuring that project recovery plans are activated as needed. Lead risk workshops with internal and external teams to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies and adapt plans as necessary. Communicate schedule changes and risk mitigation plans effectively to all project stakeholders, including executives and customers.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead a team of schedulers/planners, providing mentoring and development to ensure team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Drive a culture of continuous improvement by implementing new scheduling practices and sharing best practices across the team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in project scheduling, with a focus on large-scale infrastructure or data center projects.
• Proven track record in managing global stakeholders, including customers, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring alignment on scheduling and deliverables.
• Expertise in scheduling software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycles, critical path management, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated experience in risk assessment and mitigation for large-scale construction projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable.