Associate Director - Planning & Project Controls
Location: Surrey (Hybrid)
Sector: Science, Research & Government Infrastructure
Salary: Up to £100k plus car, travel, bonus and an excellent benefits package
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Associate Director to lead the planning and project controls function on one of the UK's most strategically significant science and infrastructure programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing team delivering a once-in-a-generation investment into national biosecurity and animal health resilience.
You will play a key role in the successful delivery of a multi-year transformation of the Animal and Plant Health Agency campus in Surrey. This role offers the chance to contribute to a high-profile programme that directly supports public and animal health across the UK.
The Programme
The programme is a major capital investment into the UK's capability to detect, prevent, and respond to animal-borne disease - many of which pose a direct risk to human health.
Our client is overseeing the delivery of a new state-of-the-art science and research facility, alongside significant campus-wide redevelopment. The scope includes:
* Construction of cutting‑edge laboratories, technical spaces, and shared research infrastructure
* Refurbishment of key existing facilities
* Demolition of legacy assets
* Implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) and digital command centres
* A campus-wide biodiversity and landscape enhancement strategy
This is a complex, multi-phase programme requiring integrated planning and robust project controls to ensure successful delivery over a five‑year+ horizon.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development and management of the integrated master programme across all phases of the SCAH programme
* Develop fully resource- and cost-loaded schedules using tools such as Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project
* Oversee earned value management (EVM), performance tracking, and KPI reporting
* Conduct risk-based planning, scenario modelling, and time impact assessments to inform decision-making
* Collaborate with delivery, commercial, PMO, and technical leads to ensure alignment across workstreams
* Embed best practice planning and control methodologies across the programme
* Produce high-quality reporting outputs tailored to client, government, and executive stakeholders
* Support procurement strategy alignment, constructability planning, and digital reporting initiatives
* Mentor junior planners and foster a culture of excellence in programme management
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Extensive planning and project controls experience on complex capital programmes (£100m+), ideally in sectors such as science, healthcare, life sciences, or infrastructure
* Proven ability to lead planning functions across multi-phase programmes or portfolios
* Proficiency in Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and associated planning tools
* Strong capability in EVM, change control, risk management, and integrated reporting
* Understanding of modern construction methodologies, digital delivery, and MMC principles
* Familiarity with NEC3/4 and other collaborative contracting forms
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Degree-qualified in construction, engineering, or a related discipline
* Professional membership (APM, CIOB, ICE, RICS, etc.) is advantageous
If you think that this is the role for you, please apply with your latest CV
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