Planning Manager (Saudi Nationals Only)

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and strategic Planning Manager to lead and optimize the overall planning, scheduling, and project controls across our portfolio of major projects. In this role, you will be responsible for defining baseline schedules, driving resource optimization, managing delay and risk analyses, and leading a high-performing team of planning engineers to ensure seamless execution from tender to handover. Key Responsibilities • Strategic & Master Planning: Develop, baseline, and maintain comprehensive master schedules for large-scale EPC projects, ensuring vertical alignment with business objectives and contractual milestones. • Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor the Project Controls and Planning team, setting clear KPIs and driving operational excellence. • Interface & Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and external subcontractors to ensure sequencing, work packaging, and interfaces align with target timelines. • Progress & Performance Monitoring: Oversee weekly/monthly schedule updates, monitor critical paths, review S-curves and histograms, and publish senior management dashboards. • Risk & Delay Analysis: Perform qualitative and quantitative schedule risk assessments, forensic/delay analyses, and recovery schedule formulations to safeguard project delivery. • Resource Optimization: Assess workforce and equipment loading, balance capacity constraints, and approve resource-loaded baseline programs. • Tendering Support: Assist in developing competitive, realistic bid schedules during the tender phase. Qualifications & Experience Essential Requirements: • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline). • Experience: Minimum 8+ years of total experience in project planning and controls, including at least 3+ years in a managerial or senior lead role. • Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, delay analysis methodologies, resource leveling, and project management controls. • Communication: Fluency in professional English with strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities. Preferred Qualifications: • Prior tier-1 EPC or mega-project contracting experience in the GCC/Saudi market. • Master’s degree in Engineering or Project Management. • Professional certifications (PMP, PMI-SP, PSP). • Professional working proficiency in Arabic.