Project Planning Lead - Data Centre Construction

Jones Lang Lasalle Property Consultants India Pvt Ltd; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants India Pvt Ltd seeks a Planning Lead for a landmark Adani Data Centre project in Dholera, Gujarat. The role focuses on developing and controlling comprehensive master schedules for fast-track construction, with emphasis on critical path, interface coordination, and handover readiness.

You will lead schedule coordination across civil, structural, MEP, and data centre systems to enable timely delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and control the integrated master project schedule from design through handover.
• Create Level 3 and Level 4 schedules for all work packages (civil, MEP, data centre infra).
• Define critical paths, float analysis, and resource loading to reflect execution strategy.
• Manage baseline schedules and changes with quarterly reviews and stakeholder approvals.
• Coordinate with multiple contractors to ensure interface alignment and timely progress.

Job description

Planning Lead JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way . Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. Planning Lead - Data Centre Construction JLL Project and Development Services Adani Data Centre Project, Dholera, Gujarat Position Overview The Planning Lead will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and controlling comprehensive project schedules for the Adani Data Centre project in Dholera. This critical role requires expertise in planning and scheduling complex, mission-critical facilities with multiple interfaces, fast-track delivery requirements, and stringent milestone commitments. The Planning Lead will serve as the primary schedule management authority, providing strategic insights to support project decision-making and ensure on-time delivery of this landmark data centre facility.

Key Responsibilities

Master Schedule Development & ManagementDevelop and maintain the integrated master project schedule encompassing all phases from design development through construction, commissioning, and handover. Create detailed Level 3 and Level 4 schedules for all work packages including civil works, structural, MEP systems, data centre infrastructure, façade, interiors, and specialty systems. Establish logical relationships, activity sequencing, and resource loading to accurately reflect project execution strategy and constraints. Define critical path, near-critical activities, and float analysis to identify schedule risks and optimization opportunities. Integrate contractor schedules into the master program ensuring consistency, interface coordination, and alignment with project milestones.Baseline Schedule ManagementEstablish baseline schedules for all project phases and major work packages following approval by project leadership and Adani stakeholders. Manage baseline change control processes, documenting approved revisions and maintaining historical records of schedule evolution. Conduct quarterly baseline reviews to assess schedule performance, analyze trends, and recommend corrective actions. Ensure all schedule changes are properly documented with clear justification, impact assessment, and stakeholder approval.Progress Monitoring & ReportingConduct weekly schedule updates based on actual site progress, resource deployment, and milestone achievements verified through site inspections and contractor reports. Prepare comprehensive progress reports including earned value analysis, schedule variance analysis, and critical path updates for internal and client stakeholders. Generate lookahead schedules for 2-week, 4-week, and 3-month horizons to facilitate proactive resource planning and coordination. Prepare monthly executive summaries highlighting schedule performance, key achievements, upcoming milestones, and areas of concern. Develop dashboard presentations showing schedule health metrics, milestone tracking, and performance indicators for steering committee meetings.Critical Path Analysis & OptimizationContinuously monitor and analyze critical path activities, identifying potential delays and recommending proactive mitigation measures. Conduct "what-if" scenario analysis to evaluate impacts of design changes, weather delays, resource constraints, or scope modifications. Recommend schedule acceleration strategies including fast-tracking opportunities, activity overlapping, resource augmentation, or alternative construction methodologies. Optimize construction sequencing to minimize activity conflicts, reduce downtime, and maximize workforce productivity. Identify opportunities for parallel execution and early commissioning of independent systems.Contractor Schedule CoordinationReview and approve contractor schedules ensuring they align with master program requirements, interface commitments, and milestone obligations. Facilitate schedule coordination meetings with multiple contractors to resolve interface conflicts, sequence dependencies, and resource allocation issues. Monitor contractor schedule compliance and implement corrective actions when performance deviates from planned progress. Ensure contractor schedules reflect appropriate level of detail, realistic durations, and proper logic ties. Verify that contractor updates accurately represent field conditions and remaining work scope.Data Centre-Specific PlanningDevelop specialized schedules for mission-critical data centre systems including UPS installation, generator commissioning, precision cooling deployment, electrical distribution, raised floor installation, and cable management systems. Coordinate sequencing between base building construction and data centre infrastructure deployment to enable parallel activities and early commissioning. Plan for phased commissioning approach allowing progressive handover of operational zones while construction continues in adjacent areas. Integrate IT equipment installation schedules with construction completion to optimize overall project timeline. Account for long-lead equipment procurement including chillers, generators, UPS systems, switchgear, and cooling units in schedule planning.Commissioning & Handover PlanningDevelop detailed commissioning schedules for all building systems and data centre infrastructure including testing protocols, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria. Coordinate integrated systems testing sequences ensuring proper dependencies between mechanical, electrical, controls, and fire protection systems. Plan for phased handover strategy allowing early occupation of completed areas while construction continues in other zones. Schedule training sessions, documentation delivery, warranty activation, and operational readiness activities. Develop punch list management schedules tracking defect rectification and final completion activities.Risk Management & Mitigation PlanningIdentify schedule-related risks including design delays, procurement issues, contractor performance, weather impacts, and regulatory approval timelines. Develop schedule risk registers quantifying probability, impact, and mitigation strategies for key risks. Conduct schedule risk analysis using