Data Center Program Planner

The Data Center Program Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and driving the integrated program plan for a portfolio of Data Center projects. Operating at a senior level, this role requires strong scheduling expertise, the ability to influence and challenge stakeholders, and the maturity to coordinate multiple complex projects with limited oversight. The Program Planner ensures that resources, schedules, risks, and dependencies are aligned across the program, enabling predictable, coordinated delivery. Part of AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team, which provides technical expertise and accelerates delivery across regional and Global Business Line project teams.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and continuously refine the integrated program plan covering all Data Center projects; Establish planning standards, sequencing logic, and schedule governance aligned with AECOM's PDS and PMO frameworks; Apply advanced scheduling techniques (critical path, float analysis, EVM) to assess progress and forecast outcomes; Identify risks, constraints, and interdependencies across multiple projects and propose mitigation strategies; Ensure program planning deliverables meet QA requirements and support APIC-aligned project management; Provide planning inputs for proposals, bids, and client presentations; Select and coordinate resources for each project in collaboration with PMs, DMs, and discipline leads; Manage resource loading and forecasting across the program; Support the Program Director in balancing priorities, sequencing work, and resolving resource conflicts; Ensure interdisciplinary coordination across engineering, design, procurement, and construction teams; Influence PMs, DMs, technical leads, and external partners to maintain schedule discipline; Lead planning meetings, progress reviews, and coordination sessions across multiple regions; Communicate schedule status, risks, and impacts to senior leadership and client stakeholders; Support business change initiatives and continuous improvement of planning processes; Support the Program Director in managing the lifecycle of multiple large, complex Data Center projects; Ensure alignment between project-level schedules and the overall program roadmap; Drive a culture of financial responsibility by ensuring schedule accuracy supports cost and cashflow forecasting; Ensure scope changes are captured, assessed, and incorporated into the program plan; Maintain regular communication with client representatives to validate planning assumptions and sequencing; Support major bids and proposals with planning strategies, schedule narratives, and delivery logic; Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the Data Center program and advise leadership; Represent the planning function in client meetings, leadership reviews, and program governance forums

Requirements

Electrical or Mechanical engineering degree; At least 15 years' experience; Strong background in project planning, scheduling, or PMO roles; Experience in Data Center projects or large, complex technical programs; Proficiency with Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent scheduling tools; Strong influencing skills; able to challenge constructively and drive alignment; Excellent communication skills; fluent in English; Ability to manage multiple teams and stakeholders across regions

Nice to have

Strong background in project planning, scheduling, or PMO roles; Experience in Data Center projects or large, complex technical programs; Proficiency with Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent scheduling tools; Strong influencing skills; Excellent communication skills; Ability to manage multiple teams and stakeholders across regions; Inspires, develops, and motivates others; demonstrates strong coaching capability; Thinks strategically and challenges the status quo; Leads confidently through ambiguity and change

Benefits

Medical; Dental; Vision; Life; AD&D; Disability benefits; Paid time off; Leaves of absence; Voluntary benefits; Perks; Flexible work options; Well-being resources; Employee assistance program; Business travel insurance; Service recognition awards; Retirement savings plan; Employee stock purchase plan; Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy