Senior Project Planner - Data Centres in Manchester

Job DescriptionSENIOR PROJECT PLANNER – DATA CENTRES Manchester | Hybrid £80,000–£85,000 + Comprehensive Benefits Permanent Position TAKE OWNERSHIP OF MAJOR DATA CENTRE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMES An established international data centre and critical infrastructure specialist is seeking an accomplished Senior Project Planner to lead the planning and programming of complex, multidisciplinary construction projects. Working on projects valued between £10m and £100m, you will take responsibility for integrated construction programmes covering Civil, Structural and Architectural (CSA) and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) disciplines. This is an opportunity for an experienced planning professional with proven expertise across the COMPLETE PROJECT LIFECYCLE, from concept, tender and pre-construction through construction delivery, commissioning and final handover. THE ROLE You will work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, engineering teams, specialist subcontractors and clients to develop and maintain accurate, achievable construction programmes. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and manage tender, pre-construction and detailed construction programmes using Asta Powerproject. • Own integrated multidisciplinary master programmes covering CSA and MEP packages. • Coordinate construction sequencing across groundworks, foundations, structural works, building envelopes, mechanical installations and electrical infrastructure. • Manage programme interfaces between engineering disciplines, specialist subcontractors and construction delivery teams. • Develop and maintain critical path programmes, identifying dependencies, risks and potential delays. • Monitor progress against baseline programmes, producing accurate reports and programme forecasts. • Develop recovery programmes and mitigation strategies to address delays and maintain project milestones. • Integrate testing, commissioning and handover activities into the overall construction programme. • Collaborate with design teams, project management, engineering specialists and supply-chain partners. • Present programme updates, risks and recommendations to senior stakeholders and clients. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS • Extensive experience as a Senior Project Planner, Senior Construction Planner, Lead Planner or Planning Manager. • Excellent hands-on proficiency in Asta Powerproject – MANDATORY. • Proven planning experience across ALL phases of the construction project lifecycle, from pre-construction through commissioning and handover. • Demonstrable experience developing and managing integrated multidisciplinary construction programmes covering BOTH CSA and MEP disciplines. • Strong pre-construction and tender programming experience. • Comprehensive understanding of construction methodologies, buildability, sequencing and critical path analysis. • Experience planning complex data centre, mission-critical or comparable major engineering construction projects. • Experience managing construction delivery programmes, progress reporting, risk management and programme recovery. • Strong stakeholder management, communication and technical coordination skills. • Ability to commute to Manchester for a hybrid working arrangement. DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE • Hyperscale or colocation data centre projects. • Major construction projects valued between £10m and £100m. • Previous engineering, technical design or site engineering experience. • Integrated systems testing and commissioning. • Pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing or complex critical infrastructure projects. • Relevant engineering, construction management or project planning qualifications. SALARY & BENEFITS • £80,000–£85,000 basic annual salary • Car allowance • Employer pension scheme • Private medical insurance • Annual performance-related bonus • Life assurance • Hybrid working arrangements • Structured career development and progression Exact benefit terms are subject to confirmation. WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY? Join an established international specialist operating in the rapidly growing data centre and critical infrastructure sector. You will contribute to technically challenging construction programmes, working alongside experienced engineering and project delivery professionals. The position offers significant responsibility, exposure to major UK infrastructure projects and excellent opportunities for long-term career development. APPLY NOW If you are an experienced Senior Project Planner with advanced Asta Powerproject skills and proven multidisciplinary planning experience across the complete construction lifecycle, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Apply with your CV or contact Zander at Open Space by Build Space to discuss this opportunity in confidence