Planning Manager (India - Data Centre)

We are looking for an experienced Planning Manager – MEP to lead the planning and scheduling function for a large-scale Data Centre project . This role is responsible for developing, monitoring, and controlling project schedules for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems; ensuring seamless integration with civil and architectural works; optimizing resource utilization; and driving timely project delivery while adhering to stringent safety, quality, and operational standards critical to mission-critical facilities.

Locations- Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the Plan - Take full ownership of project planning and scheduling for MEP works—develop detailed baseline schedules, track progress, and ensure alignment with overall project timelines. Define and monitor KPIs to drive performance and timely completion.
• Integrate MEP with Project Delivery - Coordinate closely with civil, architectural, and ICT teams to ensure seamless integration of MEP systems into the overall construction lifecycle, with a strong focus on data centre operational requirements (uptime, redundancy, commissioning readiness).
• Stakeholder Coordination - Engage with clients, consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure accurate planning inputs, transparent reporting, and alignment on milestones from design through commissioning and handover.
• Lead Planning Processes - Drive short-term and long-term planning cycles including look-ahead schedules, resource planning, procurement tracking, and critical path analysis to mitigate delays.
• Monitor and Control Progress - Track actual progress versus planned schedules, identify deviations, and implement recovery plans. Provide detailed MIS reports, dashboards, and forecasts to leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage Contractors & Vendors - Review contractor schedules, validate progress claims, and ensure adherence to timelines and quality benchmarks. Support contract management through planning insights.
• Cost & Resource Optimization - Work closely with commercial and execution teams to optimize resources, reduce inefficiencies, and support cost control without compromising on performance or quality.
• Risk Management - Identify schedule risks, perform delay analysis, and proactively implement mitigation strategies. Ensure contingency planning for critical MEP activities.
• Support Commissioning & Handover - Plan and monitor testing, commissioning, and handover activities with a strong emphasis on data centre standards including uptime, redundancy (Tier standards), and compliance.
• Champion Safety & Compliance - Ensure all planning activities align with HSE standards and regulatory requirements, particularly for high-risk MEP installations in mission-critical environments.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

• BE / B.Tech in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.

Experience:

• 10–15+ years of relevant experience in planning and scheduling of large-scale projects.
• Strong experience in Data Centre projects or mission-critical facilities with extensive MEP scope.
• Expertise in planning tools such as Primavera P6 (Mandatory) .
• Proven experience in managing complex MEP systems including HVAC, electrical distribution, fire protection, BMS, and ELV systems.

Core Competencies:

• Deep understanding of MEP construction sequencing and integration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with expertise in delay analysis and recovery planning.
• Excellent stakeholder coordination and communication capabilities.
• Experience in data centre standards (Uptime Institute Tier levels, redundancy concepts) is highly preferred.
• Strong reporting and presentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with tight deadlines.