Project Planner – Data Centre Construction

Company Overview

A leading international construction and engineering organisation operating across Europe, specialising in the delivery of complex, high-performance environments including Data Centres, Life Sciences, and Advanced Technology facilities.

The organisation operates within integrated project delivery models, combining design, construction, and commissioning expertise to deliver mission-critical infrastructure. A strong emphasis is placed on digital construction, collaborative planning, and lean delivery methodologies.

The working culture promotes accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, with strong investment in professional development and exposure to large-scale international projects.

Job Summary

As a Planner, you will be responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and scheduling of large-scale Data Centre construction projects in Zurich.

This is a junior to mid-level position, suitable for a planner with 2–5 years’ experience and exposure to construction or infrastructure environments, ideally with Data Centre experience.

You will assist in developing and maintaining detailed project programmes across design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring accurate sequencing and progress tracking.

This is a client-facing role, requiring strong communication skills in fluent English, with German language ability (B1/B2 preferred) considered a strong advantage.

You will work closely with project managers, engineers, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure schedules are accurate, aligned, and actively managed throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain project schedules using Primavera P6
• Support creation of baseline programmes in collaboration with senior planners and project managers
• Update and maintain live project schedules across all phases
• Assist in sequencing works and defining logic links and dependencies
• Support critical path analysis and identification of programme risks

Data Centre Project Delivery Support

• Support planning of Data Centre construction activities across CSA, MEP, and commissioning phases
• Assist in sequencing complex installation and fit-out activities in live environments
• Work with site teams to ensure schedule accuracy and real-time updates
• Support phased delivery, migration, and commissioning planning where required

Reporting & Project Controls

• Produce regular schedule updates and progress reports
• Assist in tracking milestones, deliverables, and project performance
• Support preparation of dashboards and reporting for stakeholders and clients
• Highlight deviations from baseline and support corrective actions

Stakeholder Coordination (Client Facing)

• Liaise with clients, consultants, engineers, and subcontractors
• Attend planning and coordination meetings across project teams
• Communicate schedule updates clearly in fluent English
• Support coordination between design, procurement, and construction teams

Risk & Programme Support

• Identify scheduling risks and escalate where required
• Support mitigation planning for delays or sequencing conflicts
• Assist with recovery programmes and impact assessments when needed

Knowledge Requirements

• Understanding of construction project lifecycle (design, procurement, construction, commissioning)
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of Primavera P6
• Awareness of Data Centre construction environments (preferred)
• Understanding of MEP and CSA coordination in complex builds
• Knowledge of Critical Path Method (CPM) principles
• Understanding of project reporting and controls processes

Skills Required

• Primavera P6 (essential)
• Strong communication skills in English (fluent)
• German language (B1/B2 preferred)
• Strong organisational and coordination ability
• Ability to interpret construction programmes and technical drawings
• Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting capability
• High attention to detail and structured thinking
• Ability to work in client-facing environments

Behaviours

• Proactive and eager to develop within a fast-paced project environment
• Strong team player with collaborative mindset
• Confident communicator with internal and external stakeholders
• Detail-focused with a structured and logical approach
• Able to perform under pressure during critical project phases
• Adaptable to changing project demands and priorities

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent experience in Construction Management, Engineering, or Project Controls
• Experience in construction planning or scheduling environments
• Exposure to Primavera P6

Desirable

• APM / PMP or equivalent project management qualification
• Training in project controls or construction planning
• Exposure to Data Centre or mission-critical projects
• Awareness of BIM / 4D planning tools (advantageous)

Experience

Essential

• 2–5 years’ experience in a planning / scheduling role
• Experience in construction or infrastructure environments (MEP, CSA, or industrial preferred)
• Experience using Primavera P6 in live project environments
• Experience working as part of multidisciplinary project teams

Desirable

• Data Centre project experience (strong advantage)
• Experience on large-scale international construction projects
• Client-facing coordination experience
• Exposure to programme reporting, updates, and recovery planning