Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) in London

Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WSP USA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and grow a Construction Planning team, ensuring health & safety and client satisfaction.
  • Company: Join a dynamic consultancy with a focus on multi-sector infrastructure programmes.
  • Benefits: Access to career development tools, supportive environment, and competitive salary.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth within a large team of over 400 professionals.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in construction planning while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in construction planning and strong people management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

An exciting career opportunity to lead and grow a Construction Planning technical capability within a consultancy environment, across multi‑sector infrastructure programmes, and demonstrating visible people leadership to ensure health & safety and team well‑being. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role as a construction planning and delay analysis SME, with the responsibility for developing a high‑performing team. You will act as a trusted adviser directly to clients on key construction projects, on schedule progress, performance, and delay analysis, to deliver excellent client satisfaction.

You will be part of our wider Project Management and Commercial Management Team (PMCM), made up of over 400 professionals across the UK and sit within our Programme Solutions Group. Your career will be actively supported through development conversations and with access to WSP’s career development tools and resources. Planning & Scheduling is part of the wider Programme Solutions service line which comprises the disciplines of Project Controls, Risk Management, PMO and Digital services.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:

  • Demonstrated team leadership in health, safety and wellbeing with proven people management experience
  • Proven ability to develop and grow a Construction Planning technical team
  • Credibility as a SME consultant in construction planning, including delay analysis and forensic planning
  • Strong client engagement and work‑winning capability
  • Ability to apply to the Society of Construction Law (SCL) Delay and Disruption Protocol principles to provide clients with technical advice & reports
  • Ability to interpret and assure delay analysis using planning & scheduling software tools combined with wider project data
  • Ability to review, validate and challenge contractor progress and programme updates to ensure an accurate and transparent assessment of delivery performance
  • Ability to support clients in commercial meetings including contributing to delay‑related claims where required

Essential criteria:

  • Must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake SC level clearance of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.
  • Demonstrated health and safety leadership with people management experience
  • Extensive experience in construction planning on major infrastructure programmes from a main contractor background
  • Proven experience validating construction progress and assessing programme performance on projects under construction.
  • Experience advising on construction programme performance, risks, and delay‑analysis
  • Degree in Civil Engineering

Desirable criteria:

  • MSc or postgraduate construction qualification
  • Chartered and professionally qualified

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) in London employer: WSP USA

WSP is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, particularly in the role of Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead. With a strong focus on health and safety, a collaborative work culture, and access to extensive career development resources, WSP empowers its team members to excel in their careers while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects across the UK. The company fosters a supportive environment where your expertise as a construction planning SME will be valued, ensuring both personal and professional fulfilment.

WSP USA

Contact Details:

WSP USA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) in London

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 WSP USA, 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 Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) at WSP USA.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Construction Planning Lead (PMCM) in London

Construction Planning
Delay Analysis
Forensic Planning
Team Leadership
Health and Safety Management
Client Engagement
Society of Construction Law (SCL) Principles

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 WSP USA

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!