At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning for major construction projects and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Dynamic construction consultancy shaping the future of major developments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on transformative projects.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities to build strong client relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction by guiding innovative projects from concept to completion.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in planning roles with experience in complex project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We are looking to find an experienced Director of Planning & Programming to lead the strategic planning function of a construction consultancy and take a senior position in shaping how major construction projects are delivered. If you have an extensive track record of successfully managing large, intricate developments across the UK - and the strategic mindset to guide clients from initial feasibility through to handover - this is an exceptional opportunity.
You will oversee all aspects of programme management and project planning on major commissions. You'll build and lead a talented team, develop bespoke delivery strategies for transformational schemes, and be the trusted adviser to developers and institutional clients on how best to sequence, resource, and execute their ambitions. Your role will be to unlock opportunity and manage risk through intelligent programme design.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Direct the planning and programming strategy for major projects.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners and schedulers, establishing best practice and fostering a culture of innovation and delivery excellence.
- Work directly with senior client stakeholders and design teams to develop integrated masterplans, design development programmes, and detailed construction strategies.
- Navigate complex procurement and contractual environments - selecting optimal delivery routes and managing programme risk across all phases.
- Conduct independent programme reviews, progress audits, and forensic analysis; provide objective counsel on schedule performance and extension of time claims.
- Guide teams through challenging operational environments - live building occupation, heritage constraints, public realm integration, basement construction logistics, and material-critical sequencing.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships by providing proactive advice, anticipating programme challenges, and delivering pragmatic solutions under pressure.
- Develop proprietary tools, benchmarks, and methodologies that enhance the consultancy's competitive advantage and foster repeat client relationships.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A minimum of 10 years in planning and programming roles, with substantial experience across consultancy, construction management, and/or contracting environments.
- A proven portfolio of major projects, particular interest is in commercial office buildings and hotels.
- Hands-on expertise managing challenging delivery scenarios: basement construction, facade retention and complex remodelling, structural alterations, sensitive heritage contexts, and utility/infrastructure coordination.
- Deep knowledge of procurement and contract management, comfortable advising clients on commercial strategy, risk allocation, and value optimisation.
- Excellence in programme controls - schedule development, critical path analysis, progress monitoring, resource planning, and delay claim assessment.
- Strong leadership capability: a track record of building high-performing teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering knowledge sharing.
- Commercial acumen and genuine relationship-building skills; ability to engage confidently with C-suite clients and project teams.
- Proficiency with industry-standard planning and scheduling software (ASTA Powerproject, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in talking about, please apply within or contact Grant at grant@ysrecruitment.com.
Planning & Programme Director in City of London employer: York Street Recruitment
As a leading construction consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence. Our employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to work on transformative projects across the UK. Join us in shaping the future of construction while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your expertise and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Programme Director 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 potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your past successes. Share specific examples of how you've managed complex projects and navigated tricky situations. We want to see your strategic mindset in action!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand their values, projects, and challenges. When you apply through our website, make sure your application reflects how your skills align with their needs. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running!
✨Follow Up
After an interview or networking event, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note or a quick message. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Programme Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Planning & Programme Director role. Highlight your extensive track record in managing large developments and your strategic mindset to guide clients through complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and navigated challenging delivery scenarios, and don't forget to mention your commercial acumen and relationship-building skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership capabilities shine through in your application. Talk about your experience in mentoring junior staff and building high-performing teams, as well as any innovative strategies you've implemented in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at York Street Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your role in managing complex developments and how you navigated challenges. This will show your extensive experience and strategic mindset.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to share examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams. Discuss your mentoring approach and how you've fostered a culture of innovation. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the consultancy and its major clients. Be ready to discuss how you would build and maintain strong client relationships, providing proactive advice and solutions. This shows you're not just focused on the technical side but also on client engagement.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Brush up on your knowledge of planning and scheduling software like ASTA Powerproject and Primavera P6. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous roles to enhance programme controls and manage risks effectively.
