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 while guiding innovative projects from start to finish.
- 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.
Planning & Programme Director in 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 Planning & Programme Director role offers not only the chance to lead transformative projects but also to mentor a talented team in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide unique opportunities for professional advancement while working on high-profile developments across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Programme Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to impress them with our knowledge and show how we can add value to their team. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in managing complex developments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We need to be ready to tackle those tricky questions about programme management and risk assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Let them know we’re excited about the opportunity to lead their planning and programming efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Programme Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Planning & Programme Director. Highlight your experience in managing large projects and your strategic mindset. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your passion for construction consultancy and how you’ve successfully navigated complex projects. Be sure to mention specific examples that showcase your leadership skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. We love to see quantifiable results, so if you’ve improved project delivery times or saved costs, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at York Street Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly review your portfolio of major projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you navigated complex delivery scenarios, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and give you a chance to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Consultancy's Approach
Research the construction consultancy's recent projects and their strategic planning methodologies. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they approach programme management. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their expectations and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging operational environments. Prepare examples that highlight your experience with live building occupations, heritage constraints, or complex remodelling. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning & Programme Director, you'll need strong leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've built and mentored high-performing teams in the past. Share specific instances where you fostered innovation and excellence within your team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
