Associate Director

You will play a key role in the successful delivery of a multi-year transformation of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) 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.

• Construction of cutting-edge laboratories, technical spaces, and shared research infrastructure
• Produce high-quality reporting outputs tailored to client, government, and executive stakeholders
• Implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) and digital command centres
• Lead the development and management of the integrated master programme across all phases of the programme
• Develop fully resource- and cost-loaded schedules using tools such as Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and MS Project
• Embed best practice planning and control methodologies across the programme
• Demolition of legacy assets
• Oversee earned value management (EVM), performance tracking, and KPI reporting
• Conduct risk-based planning, scenario modelling, and time impact assessments to inform decision-making
• Mentor junior planners and foster a culture of excellence in programme management
• Refurbishment of key existing facilities
• Collaborate with delivery, commercial, PMO, and technical leads to ensure alignment across workstreams
• Support procurement strategy alignment, constructability planning, and digital reporting initiatives

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.

This is a complex, multi-phase programme requiring integrated planning and robust project controls to ensure successful delivery over a five-year+ horizon.

• Professional membership (APM, CIOB, ICE, RICS, etc.) is advantageous
• Proven ability to lead planning functions across multi-phase programmes or portfolios
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Understanding of modern construction methodologies, digital delivery, and MMC principles
• Strong capability in EVM, change control, risk management, and integrated reporting
• Extensive planning and project controls experience on complex capital programmes (£100m+), ideally in sectors such as science, healthcare, life sciences, or infrastructure
• Proficiency in Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject, and associated planning tools
• Degree-qualified in construction, engineering, or a related discipline
• Familiarity with NEC3/4 and other collaborative contracting forms

Ideal Candidate Profile

Salary: Very Competitve - Plus Car allowance, Travel, Bonus and an excellent benefits package