Senior Planning Engineer

The Senior Planning Engineer is responsible for the overall scheduling, progress control, and resource optimization of high-rise residential, commercial, or mixed-use construction projects. Operating from the contractor’s perspective, you will drive the creation of the baseline master schedule, manage day-to-day site progress deviations, optimize resource layouts, and mitigate delays to ensure profitable and timely project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Build and secure client approval for the project baseline programme, detailed construction schedules using Oracle Primavera P6.
• Build precise logic sequences specific to high rise buildings, including substructure, structural core walls, post-tensioning slabs, structural steel, façade/curtain walls, MEP risers, fit-outs, and vertical transportation (elevators/hoists).
• Integrate the engineering deliverables, material procurement cycles, and subcontractors’ mobilization and detailed timelines into the Baseline Programme.
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly site physical progress against the baseline, ensuring structural cycle times (e.g., floor-to-floor cycle days) match targets.
• Generate short-term rolling operational schedules (such as 2-weeks or 1-month look-aheads) to coordinate day-to-day site execution with site managers and subcontractors.
• Present the main contractor in progress and planning meetings.
• Calculate Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), Actual Cost (AC), and Schedule Variance (SV) to assess overall project health.
• Perform rigorous forensic delay analysis using standard delay methodologies to evaluate the impact of employer or third-party changes.
• Prepare and compile technical substantiation documents, narrative reports, and critical path analysis for EOT claims to defend the contractor's contractual position.
• Identify potential disruptions early, run "What-If" scenarios, and propose acceleration or recovery schedules to catch up on lost time.
• Load labor, materials, and major equipment (e.g., tower cranes, concrete pumps, hoists) into the schedule to monitor resource histograms and prevent logistical bottlenecks on tight urban sites.
• Develop and maintain cost-loaded schedules to project contractor cash flow requirements and match billings with actual project progress.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports for senior management, detailing critical path shifts, KPIs, and resource productivity.
• Work closely with the Project Director, Procurement, Quantity Surveyors (QS), and Technical Engineering teams to resolve cross-functional roadblocks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil / architecture engineering or construction management from a recognized university.
• 8 to 12+ years of total experience in construction scheduling UAE / GCC, with at least 5 years working directly for Main Contractors on High-Rise Building projects (minimum G+40 floors or iconic towers).
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 Professional, and advanced Microsoft Excel, Power BI (for data analytics and dashboard generation).
• Deep knowledge of structural and architectural sequences, construction methodologies for tall buildings, and logistical challenges of high-density sites.
• Strong understanding of standard construction contracts (such as FIDIC Red Book) related to extension of time clauses and variation orders.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PSP (Planning and Scheduling Professional) credentials from AACE International are highly advantageous.