Associate Director - Planning & Project Controls
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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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