Position Summary
The Data Centre Planner is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining integrated project schedules and delivery plans for large-scale data centre developments. This role ensures alignment between engineering, construction, MEP, procurement, commissioning, and operational readiness activities to support the successful delivery of hyperscale and mission-critical facilities.
The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in planning methodologies, critical path scheduling, data centre infrastructure systems, and stakeholder coordination across complex multi-phase projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the overall master project plan, detailed schedules, and phased delivery roadmap for the data centre facility.
- Create and manage capacity planning models for power, cooling, IT infrastructure, and space allocation across all project phases.
- Coordinate with engineering, construction, MEP, and IT teams to integrate design deliverables into the execution schedule.
- Identify critical path activities, project dependencies, and risks; implement mitigation strategies to protect project timelines.
- Track project progress against baseline schedules and provide regular forecasting, reporting, and what-if scenario analysis.
- Facilitate planning workshops and interface meetings with stakeholders including Owners, EPC Contractors, vendors, consultants, and operations teams.
- Support procurement planning for long-lead equipment including UPS systems, chillers, generators, PDUs, and server racks, ensuring alignment with construction sequencing.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), earned value metrics, and schedule variances to senior leadership.
- Prepare and maintain master schedules in Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software, including resource loading and levelling.
- Contribute to project risk registers, contingency planning, commissioning readiness, and operational handover assessments.
Knowledge & Technical CompetenciesEssential Knowledge
- Expert understanding of data centre planning principles, including Tier III/IV design standards, Uptime Institute guidelines, and ASHRAE thermal guidelines.
- Thorough knowledge of data centre infrastructure systems including:
- Power distribution systems
- Cooling and HVAC systems
- Structured cabling
- Security systems
- Fire suppression systems
- Strong understanding of large-scale construction scheduling methodologies, including:
- Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Resource planning and forecasting
- Proficiency in planning and scheduling software such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Awareness of environmental, sustainability, and regulatory requirements relevant to modern hyperscale data centres.
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage complex, multi-phase project schedules.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure in fast-paced project environments.
- Collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams.
Minimum Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 8–12 years’ experience in planning and scheduling on large-scale data centre or mission-critical facility projects.
- Demonstrated experience delivering hyperscale or Tier III/IV data centre projects valued at $100M+.
- Proven track record of successfully planning and delivering at least two major data centre projects from concept through commissioning and handover.
- Advanced proficiency in:
- Primavera P6
- Microsoft Project
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Experience with data centre capacity planning software is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, procurement planning, and commissioning processes.
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management qualification highly regarded.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to pass site-specific medical assessments, drug & alcohol testing, and security clearance requirements.
Preferred Experience
- Experience working on hyperscale, colocation, or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with commissioning and operational readiness processes.
- Exposure to integrated project delivery environments involving EPC contractors and international vendors.
- Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and energy-efficient data centre design practices.
Pay: $75.00 - $80.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Temple, TX 76501
