_{30th September, 2026}

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Planning Lead to join a major engineering and construction team delivering a large-scale, high-tech data centre project in London.

This is a senior planning role offering the opportunity to take ownership of project planning and reporting across complex mechanical and electrical (M&E) fit-out works, working closely with the Project Manager, project teams, clients and other delivery partners.

You’ll play a key role in developing and managing the construction programme, ensuring that progress, productivity, risk and commercial performance are clearly understood and accurately reported.

What you’ll be doing

As Planning Lead, you will:

• Lead the development of detailed EPC construction programmes from initial planning through to delivery.
• Develop robust schedules covering work sequencing, durations, logic, resources and critical-path activities.
• Manage the planning team and support project planners in delivering programme requirements.
• Carry out schedule health checks to ensure programmes are accurate, integrated and deliverable.
• Establish and maintain baseline programmes in collaboration with the client.
• Track planned versus actual progress and monitor earned value performance.
• Monitor productivity, including spent versus earned hours for site labour.
• Track fabrication, workshop production and site installation progress.
• Monitor budgets and identify scope growth, changes and potential impacts on delivery.
• Support effective change-control processes and ensure issues are captured and managed.
• Produce clear and accurate weekly, monthly and periodic project reports.
• Develop and track project KPIs and performance metrics.
• Attend internal, client and site meetings, providing clear programme updates and planning insight.
• Interrogate and challenge client programmes where necessary to ensure realistic and achievable delivery.
• Support forensic planning, delay analysis and the assessment of potential programme impacts.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced planning professional who is confident operating on complex construction projects and can combine detailed programme management with strong commercial and analytical skills.
You will ideally have:

• 6+ years' post-qualification experience, preferably within M&E contracting or complex construction.
• Strong experience planning major engineering, construction or data centre projects.
• At least 5 years' experience using Primavera P6.
• A strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and construction sequencing.
• Experience developing, maintaining and interrogating complex construction programmes.
• Strong knowledge of critical-path analysis, resource-loaded schedules and programme controls.
• Experience with earned value, productivity tracking and project KPIs.
• Knowledge of forensic planning and delay analysis.
• The confidence to challenge programmes and assumptions where necessary.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project teams and contractors.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and support junior members of the planning team.
• A relevant third-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

The role also offers strong opportunities for career development and professional growth, including support for further training, continuous professional development and progression towards chartered status.
You can expect:

• A competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.
• A technically challenging and high-profile project environment.
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced engineering and construction professionals.
• Support for professional development and further qualifications.
• CPD opportunities with potential progression towards chartered status.
• Performance incentives.
• Long-term career progression within an established engineering and construction organisation.
• A supportive working environment with a strong focus on collaboration and work-life balance.

The ideal candidate
This role would suit an experienced Senior Planner, Planning Lead or Project Planner with strong Primavera P6 experience who enjoys working on complex M&E construction projects and wants to take a leading role in programme delivery.
If you’re looking for a role where your planning expertise can have a direct impact on the successful delivery of a major London data centre project, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.

Contact us for more details.

Apply For Job