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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Associate Director (Planning) Data Centre - **Company:** Cobalt Recruitment - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Big Data, Data Centers, Microsoft Project, Primavera, Performance Monitor - **Published:** May 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/associate-director-planning-data-centre-london/2784759930-2/ ## About the Role The successful candidate must have demonstrable experience delivering major data centre or mission-critical projects and a strong understanding of complex M&E packages, commissioning processes, and live programme environments., * Proven experience leading the planning function on large-scale data centre, mission-critical, or major M&E-led construction projects * Strong background working with Tier 1 contractors or specialist mission-critical delivery environments * Excellent understanding of complex M&E systems, commissioning sequences, and phased handover processes * Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project * Strong project controls expertise including EVM, risk management, change control, and reporting * Experience administering programmes under NEC3/NEC4 or similar contract forms * Confident engaging with senior stakeholders, consultants, subcontractors, and client teams * Degree-qualified in construction, engineering, or related discipline * Professional membership (APM, CIOB, ICE, RICS or equivalent) preferred ## Description We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Associate Director (Planning) to lead the planning and project controls function on a flagship hyperscale data centre programme. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a candidate with a proven background delivering large-scale, technically complex M&E and mission-critical projects. You will play a pivotal role in driving integrated project planning, programme controls, and delivery strategy across a multidisciplinary team, ensuring alignment with key project milestones, commissioning requirements, cost objectives, and client expectations. The Project This landmark development forms part of a major data centre expansion programme being delivered by a leading Tier 1 contractor for a global technology client. The project involves the delivery of a state-of-the-art, mission-critical facility designed to the highest operational resilience and sustainability standards. Key features of the development include: * Large-scale hyperscale data halls and supporting infrastructure * Complex M&E systems including HV/LV distribution, UPS, generators, CRAH/CRAC cooling systems, and BMS integration * Extensive commissioning and integrated systems testing requirements * High-specification security, resilience, and redundancy standards * Fast-track construction and phased handover strategy * Sustainability-focused design aligned with energy efficiency and operational performance targets, * Take full ownership of the project master programme from preconstruction through commissioning, client handover, and operational readiness * Develop and maintain fully integrated, resource-loaded programmes using Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project * Lead planning and project controls across all construction, M&E, commissioning, and client workstreams * Drive earned value management (EVM), progress measurement, and programme performance reporting * Conduct risk-based schedule analysis, time impact assessments, and mitigation planning * Work closely with project directors, commercial teams, consultants, subcontractors, and client stakeholders to maintain programme integrity * Manage and coordinate commissioning and testing schedules in line with mission-critical delivery requirements * Produce clear, data-driven reporting for both operational and executive-level stakeholders * Mentor and develop planning teams while embedding best-practice planning and controls processes * Ensure programme alignment with procurement schedules, contractual obligations, and NEC-based delivery frameworks ## Related Videos - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [The Sustainability Race: AI's Promises, Pitfalls and Potential](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100155-the-sustainability-race-ai-s-promises-pitfalls-and-potential) - [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops) - [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [Fullstack Developer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/251-fullstack-developer-salary-uk)