Planning Manager

Job Title

Planning Manager Construction

Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type

Full-Time

Experience

10 to 15 Years (Minimum 7 to 10 years in UAE/Abu Dhabi preferred) preferably with prior experience working on ALDAR projects

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Planning Manager with 10 to 15 years of construction experience to lead planning, scheduling, and project controls for major construction projects in Abu Dhabi. The candidate will oversee the planning team, project schedules, resource allocation, and progress monitoring, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage Master Schedules, detailed work schedules, and look-ahead plans for large-scale construction projects
• Lead critical path analysis, resource optimization, and schedule risk assessments
• Monitor project progress and implement recovery plans for delayed activities
• Align schedules with procurement, design, construction, and commissioning activities

Project Controls & Coordination

• Supervise Planning Engineers and Project Controls staff, ensuring accurate reporting and schedule updates
• Coordinate with Project Management, Construction, Engineering, Procurement, QA/QC, and HSE teams
• Conduct weekly/monthly progress meetings and present updates to senior management and clients
• Ensure integration of planning with cost control, budget monitoring, and change management

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare progress reports, S-curves, earned value analysis (EVA), and KPI dashboards
• Analyze schedule variances, delays, and productivity issues
• Recommend and implement corrective actions to mitigate project risks
• Maintain comprehensive planning records and documentation for audits and project close-out

Resource & Risk Management

• Monitor manpower, equipment, and material allocation for optimal resource utilization
• Identify potential schedule risks and constraints and implement mitigation strategies
• Support forecasting, project phasing, and cash flow planning

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure planning activities comply with project procedures, client requirements, and UAE regulatory authorities
• Provide as-built schedules, project handover documentation, and lessons learned at project completion
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement in planning processes

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Master degree is a plus

Experience

• 10 to 15 years of planning and project controls experience in construction projects
• Significant experience in UAE/Abu Dhabi construction projects
• Exposure to large-scale residential, commercial, high-rise, infrastructure, or mixed-use projects

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6, MS Project, and MS Office
• Proficient in Critical Path Method (CPM), earned value management (EVM), S-curve reporting, and resource leveling
• Understanding of construction sequencing, logistics, and project management principles
• Familiarity with cost control, procurement coordination, and project risk management

Competencies

• Leadership and team management skills to lead a planning department
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and work under pressure

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Experience in leading planning teams in main contractors, EPC, or PMC firms
• Strong knowledge of Abu Dhabi authority requirements, project controls standards, and reporting protocols
• Proven track record in delivering complex projects on time and mitigating schedule risks

• Proficient in planning software tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and advanced Excel functions for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate them into actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English; additional language skills are a plus.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate within cross-functional teams, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptable and resilient, thriving in dynamic environments and effectively managing changing priorities.