Engineering
Planning Lead
Salary negotiable
Planning Lead opportunity with a Tier-1 contractor in Lisbon, Portugal, driving programme delivery on major data centre and construction projects. This role combines hands-on planning leadership with strategic influence across bids, live projects, and team development in a high-growth market.
Key Highlights
- Lead planning delivery on €50m+ projects across data centre and large-scale construction portfolios
- Shape winning bid programmes and drive project controls on live developments
- Build and develop a high-performing planning team across multiple projects
- Establish yourself as the go-to planning expert in client and subcontractor forums
Planning Lead — Role Overview
This is a pivotal planning leadership position reporting to the Regional Planning Lead, where you will own programme development from bid stage through to project completion. You will shape planning strategy, mentor a growing team, and act as the key planning interface with clients and senior stakeholders.
Planning Lead — Responsibilities
• Develop comprehensive bid programmes to strengthen competitive tender submissions
• Create, maintain and review detailed master construction programmes and project controls procedures for live projects
• Partner with Project Directors and site teams to establish effective planning strategies and programmes
• Prepare and present progress reviews to senior management, identifying variances and driving corrective actions
• Represent planning discipline in client and subcontractor meetings, building robust stakeholder relationships
• Create and maintain schedules across pre-construction, construction and commissioning phases
• Establish and monitor project schedule resource requirements across the portfolio
• Develop and communicate planning tools to ensure target achievement of project goals
• Drive business development activities with new clients to expand market presence
• Lead, coach and develop planning team members, prioritising workloads and delegating effectively
Planning Lead — Ideal Candidate
Essential:
• Degree in Engineering or Construction Management
• 7+ years' relevant experience in construction, preferably with main contractor background
• Proficient in Asta Powerproject and Primavera P6 programming software
• Proven experience with BIM integration in planning processes
• Demonstrable track record on large-scale projects (€50m+ value)
Desirable:
• Data centre sector experience
• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to build client and consultant relationships
• Excellent organisational, communication and people management capabilities
Rewards & Package
This Tier-1 contractor offers market-leading remuneration reflective of the seniority and technical demands of this Lisbon-based role. As an international assignment, the package includes comprehensive support with accommodation arrangements, relocation assistance and visa sponsorship as required. Core benefits encompass private healthcare, pension provision and structured career development pathways aligned with the company's significant project pipeline. Full package details will be discussed at interview stage.
About the Company
A leading EPC contractor with established expertise in data centre delivery and large-scale construction projects across Europe.
The Project
Major data centre and construction developments with project values exceeding €50 million, supporting continued sector growth and expansion.
Don't let self-doubt hold you back
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Planning Lead Role
What does a Planning Lead do in data centre construction?
A Planning Lead in data centre construction is responsible for delivering specialist work on Tier III and Tier IV facilities. Day-to-day tasks vary by project phase but typically involve coordination with MEP teams, quality assurance, and ensuring build standards meet client specifications.
How do I apply for this Planning Lead position?
Click "Apply Now" above and submit your CV. A specialist recruiter will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the role, your experience, and next steps. We support you through interviews and offer negotiation.
What salary can I expect for this role?
This role offers Salary negotiable. Salary depends on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Use our salary calculator for live market benchmarks across 20+ data centre roles.
About URecruit Global
URecruit Global is a specialist data centre construction recruitment agency serving the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Since 2010, we've completed 1,000+ placements across Tier III and Tier IV data centre builds with 500+ hiring partners. Our team guides you from application through to placement with expert support at every stage.