Development Planner

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

General Requirements  

As a Development Planner (EMEA), you will play a key role in planning and developing data centre programmes across multiple projects within the EMEA region, with a particular focus on early-stage programme definition and strategy.

The role is based in Frankfurt, with flexibility for hybrid working within Europe, and supports projects across the wider EMEA portfolio.

This position focuses on the development and preconstruction phase, including early design, procurement sequencing, permitting, power and overall programme definition. Unlike traditional planning roles, you will often be required to develop programmes from limited early-stage inputs (e.g. concept designs or drawings), without reliance on General Contractor schedules or fully defined budgets.

You will be responsible for preparing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), supporting benchmarking activities, and ensuring alignment with VDC planning standards and project objectives.

You will work closely with Development, Design, Procurement, Commercial, and Delivery teams, as well as external stakeholders, to ensure programmes are clear, realistic, and aligned with project requirements. You will also act as a central coordination point, consolidating inputs from multiple development teams across the EMEA portfolio.

This role reports directly to the Development Planning Lead and supports consistency and alignment across all EMEA development programmes, with exposure to multiple large-scale projects rather than a single-site focus.

Key Responsibilities: 

Development Programme Planning & IMS Creation

• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for multiple EMEA data centre projects in the development phase.
• Define programme logic covering design, permitting, procurement, enabling works, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Establish programme assumptions, constraints, and key milestones aligned with project and business objectives.
• Develop scenario-based programmes to support development strategy and investment decisions.
• Build programmes from early-stage inputs such as drawings, concept designs, or tender documentation, where limited information is available.

Benchmarking & Programme Standardisation

• Maintain and enhance benchmarking databases across EMEA projects.
• Translate benchmarking data into standard durations, logic structures, and planning templates.
• Drive consistency and standardisation of planning practices across the portfolio.
• Communicate benchmarking insights clearly to project teams and stakeholders.

Permitting, Authority & Infrastructure Planning

• Integrate permitting strategies, authority approvals, and utility/power timelines into development programmes.
• Coordinate with development teams to define realistic timelines for permits and infrastructure readiness.
• Identify and manage risks related to authority approvals and external dependencies.

Procurement & Contractor Interface

• Support GC tendering processes through schedule development and contractor programme reviews.
• Challenge contractor schedules to ensure alignment with VDC standards and project objectives.
• Participate in planning workshops with contractors and vendors to improve schedule quality.
• Ensure long-lead items and procurement strategies are fully integrated into programme logic.

Risk Assessment & Scenario Analysis

• Support schedule risk assessments and QSRA inputs across development projects.
• Identify key risks related to design, permitting, procurement, and DfMA strategies.
• Develop what-if scenarios (e.g., power delays, permit delays, alternative sequencing).
• Propose mitigation strategies to optimise programme outcomes.

Cross-Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a central planning contact across multiple EMEA development projects.
• Collaborate with Project Directors, Development Leads, and regional teams.
• Facilitate cross-project alignment, workshops, and planning reviews.
• Ensure knowledge sharing and consistency across the EMEA portfolio.

DfMA & Offsite Strategy Integration

• Integrate DfMA and modular construction strategies into development programmes.
• Assess offsite manufacturing timelines, logistics constraints, and installation strategies.
• Support programme optimisation through modularisation approaches.

Programme Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure all schedules comply with VDC planning standards and governance processes.
• Perform schedule health checks (logic, float, constraints, sequencing).
• Ensure consistency in WBS, milestones, and activity structures.
• Support continuous improvement of planning processes and procedures.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain clear records of programme assumptions, risks, and changes.
• Prepare executive-level summaries, critical path narratives, and reports.
• Provide clear and structured planning input to support decision-making.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in data centre or large-scale construction project planning.
• Typically 5–10+ years’ experience in project planning or scheduling roles.
• Strong expertise in Primavera P6 and schedule development (essential).
• Experience in preconstruction / development phase planning.
• Experience developing programmes from limited information (e.g. early-stage designs, drawings, or tender documentation).
• Experience in multi-project / regional (EMEA) environments is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of permitting, infrastructure, and power-related constraints.
• Understanding of DfMA and modular construction approaches.
• Experience in QSRA or risk-based scheduling is an advantage.
• Experience working in MEP-heavy environments or comparable industries such as oil & gas, life sciences, or healthcare infrastructure is beneficial.
• Experience within contractor (GC) environments, particularly at tender stage, is advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Ability to manage multiple projects across regions
• Strong ownership and accountability
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and quality
• Ability to work autonomously and develop programmes from first principles

Software skill required but not limited to:

• Primavera P6
• MS Office

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.