Engineer - Planning

Job Summary The Planning Manager is responsible for leading all project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting activities for large-scale infrastructure projects. The role ensures effective project controls by developing and maintaining integrated project programmes, monitoring progress, identifying risks, and supporting timely decision-making to achieve project objectives. The Planning Manager works closely with the Client, Project Director, Resident Engineers, contractors, commercial teams, and stakeholders to ensure accurate programme management throughout design, construction, testing & commissioning, handover, and project close-out. Key Job Duties 1. Project Planning & Scheduling Develop, maintain, and update the project master programme using Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software. Review and assess contractor baseline programmes, recovery plans, and revised schedules. Ensure programme compliance with contractual milestones and project objectives. Integrate design, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, and handover activities into the project programme. 2. Progress Monitoring & Project Controls Monitor project progress against the approved baseline programme. Analyse schedule performance, critical paths, float consumption, and productivity trends. Identify delays and recommend corrective and recovery measures. Prepare look-ahead programmes and monitor milestone achievement. 3. Risk & Delay Management Identify programme risks and potential delays. Perform delay analysis and assess schedule impacts. Support the evaluation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims. Maintain programme risk registers and mitigation plans. 4. Stakeholder Coordination Coordinate planning activities with the Client, contractors, consultants, authorities, and utility providers. Participate in progress meetings, technical workshops, and project coordination meetings. Ensure alignment between planning activities and project execution. 5. Reporting & Performance Analysis Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, executive dashboards, KPI reports, and management presentations. Produce programme updates, S-curves, earned value reports, manpower and equipment histograms, and productivity analyses. Present planning status and key issues to senior management and the Client. 6. Leadership & Team Management Lead and mentor project planning engineers. Establish planning procedures and reporting standards across the project. Promote continuous improvement in planning methodologies and project controls.

Required Qualifications & Experience Education Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline. PMP, PMI-SP, or equivalent professional certification is preferred. Experience Minimum 15 years of planning and project controls experience, including at least 5 years as planning manager on major infrastructure projects. Proven experience in roads, utilities, drainage, public realm, transportation, and urban development projects. Strong background in construction supervision and consultancy environments. Experience with UAE infrastructure projects and authority requirements is highly desirable. Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Excel, and project controls software. Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts, delay analysis techniques, EOT assessments, and project reporting. Experience preparing executive dashboards, KPIs, and schedule performance analyses. Familiarity with BIM, digital construction platforms, and document management systems is an advantage. Behavioural & Management Competencies Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under demanding project schedules. High level of professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Project Planning & Scheduling: Develop, maintain, and update the project master programme using Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software; review contractor baseline programmes, recovery plans, and revised schedules; ensure programme compliance with contractual milestones and project objectives; integrate design, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, and handover activities into the project programme. Progress Monitoring & Project Controls: Monitor project progress against the approved baseline programme; analyse schedule performance, critical paths, float consumption, and productivity trends; identify delays and recommend corrective and recovery measures; prepare look-ahead programmes and monitor milestone achievement. Risk & Delay Management: Identify programme risks and potential delays; perform delay analysis and assess schedule impacts; support evaluation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims; maintain programme risk registers and mitigation plans. Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate planning activities with Client, contractors, consultants, authorities, and utility providers; participate in progress meetings, technical workshops, and project coordination meetings; ensure alignment between planning activities and project execution. Reporting & Performance Analysis: Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, executive dashboards, KPI reports, and management presentations; produce programme updates, S-curves, earned value reports, manpower and equipment histograms, and productivity analyses; present planning status and key issues to senior management and the Client. Leadership & Team Management: Lead and mentor project planning engineers; establish planning procedures and reporting standards across the project; promote continuous improvement in planning methodologies and project controls.