Planning & Programming Director
Construction Consultancy
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking to find an experienced Director of Planning & Programming to lead the strategic planning function of a construction consultancy and take a senior position in shaping how major construction projects are delivered. If you have an extensive track record of successfully managing large, intricate developments across the UK - and the strategic mindset to guide clients from initial feasibility through to handover - this is an exceptional opportunity.
You will oversee all aspects of programme management and project planning on major commissions. You'll build and lead a talented team, develop bespoke delivery strategies for transformational schemes, and be the trusted adviser to developers and institutional clients on how best to sequence, resource, and execute their ambitions. Your role will be to unlock opportunity and manage risk through intelligent programme design.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Direct the planning and programming strategy for major projects.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners and schedulers, establishing best practice and fostering a culture of innovation and delivery excellence.
- Work directly with senior client stakeholders and design teams to develop integrated masterplans, design development programmes, and detailed construction strategies.
- Navigate complex procurement and contractual environments - selecting optimal delivery routes and managing programme risk across all phases.
- Conduct independent programme reviews, progress audits, and forensic analysis; provide objective counsel on schedule performance and extension of time claims.
- Guide teams through challenging operational environments - live building occupation, heritage constraints, public realm integration, basement construction logistics, and material-critical sequencing.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships by providing proactive advice, anticipating programme challenges, and delivering pragmatic solutions under pressure.
- Develop proprietary tools, benchmarks, and methodologies that enhance the consultancy's competitive advantage and foster repeat client relationships.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A minimum of 10 years in planning and programming roles, with substantial experience across consultancy, construction management, and/or contracting environments
- A proven portfolio of major projects, particular interest is in commercial office buildings and hotels.
- Hands-on expertise managing challenging delivery scenarios: basement construction, facade retention and complex remodelling, structural alterations, sensitive heritage contexts, and utility/infrastructure coordination.
- Deep knowledge of procurement and contract management, comfortable advising clients on commercial strategy, risk allocation, and value optimisation.
- Excellence in programme controls - schedule development, critical path analysis, progress monitoring, resource planning, and delay claim assessment.
- Strong leadership capability: a track record of building high-performing teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering knowledge sharing.
- Commercial acumen and genuine relationship-building skills; ability to engage confidently with C-suite clients and project teams.
- Proficiency with industry-standard planning and scheduling software (ASTA Powerproject, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in talking about, please apply within or contact Grant at grant@ysrecruitment.com.