Planning Lead - Data Centres

Planning Lead – Data Centres Location: Berlin, Germany Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent About the Opportunity Our client is a specialist project management consultancy delivering some of Europe's largest hyperscale and mission critical data centre developments. Due to continued project awards across Germany, they are seeking an experienced Planning Lead to take ownership of planning and programme controls on a flagship data centre programme in Berlin. Working alongside senior client representatives and project leadership teams, you'll play a critical role in developing, maintaining and driving complex project schedules from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with a strong pipeline of secured projects and genuine opportunities for long-term career progression. The Role As Planning Lead, you will be responsible forestablishing and managing the overall project programme, ensuring delivery milestones are achieved while providing accurate reporting, programme analysis and recovery planning throughout the project lifecycle. You'll work closely with project directors, construction managers, commercial teams, consultants and contractors to proactively identify risks, optimise programme performance and support successful project delivery. Key Responsibilities Lead the development, maintenance and management of integrated master programmes across all project phases. Produce detailed construction programmes, critical path analysis and look-ahead schedules using Primavera P6. Monitor project progress against programme, identifying delays, constraints and opportunities for programme optimisation. Carry out schedule risk analysis and develop mitigation and recovery programmes where required. Coordinate planning activities across design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover teams. Prepare programme updates, dashboards and progress reports for senior management and client stakeholders. Chair planning and programme review meetings with contractors and project teams. Review contractor programmes to ensure alignment with contractual milestones and overall project objectives. Support claims analysis, extension of time assessments and programme-related contractual matters. Ensure programme controls and reporting processes are implemented consistently across the project. Mentor project planners and promote planning best practice across the project team. About You 7+ years' experience in planning, project controls or programme management within large-scale construction projects. Demonstrable experience delivering mission critical, hyperscale data centre, pharmaceutical, semiconductor or advanced manufacturing projects, with data centre experience strongly preferred. Previous experience working within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC), consultancy, client-side or main contractor environment. Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and strong understanding of project controls principles. Experience managing programmes for projects valued in excess of €100 million. Strong understanding of construction sequencing, commissioning activities and critical path analysis. Knowledge of NEC, FIDIC or equivalent forms of contract. Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline. Professional qualifications such as APM, PMI, CIOB or PSP certification are advantageous. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. What's on Offer Opportunity to lead planning on a flagship hyperscale data centre programme in Berlin. Join a growing consultancy with a strong pipeline of mission critical projects across Germany and Europe. Work directly with some of the world's leading technology and data centre clients. Clear career progression as the business continues to expand. Competitive salary and benefits package.