Planning Manager - Construction Projects

About the role

An experienced Planning Manager with 10-15 years of construction experience is sought to lead planning, scheduling and project controls for major construction projects in Abu Dhabi. The role covers the planning team, project schedules, resource allocation and progress monitoring, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and in line with quality and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage master schedules, detailed work schedules and look-ahead plans; lead critical path analysis, resource optimization and schedule risk assessments
• Monitor progress, implement recovery plans for delayed activities and align schedules with procurement, design, construction and commissioning
• Supervise Planning Engineers and Project Controls staff, coordinate with PM, Construction, Engineering, Procurement, QA/QC and HSE teams, and run weekly/monthly progress meetings
• Integrate planning with cost control, budget monitoring and change management
• Prepare progress reports, S-curves, earned value analysis (EVA) and KPI dashboards, and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor manpower, equipment and material allocation, identify schedule risks and support forecasting, phasing and cash flow planning
• Ensure compliance with project procedures, client requirements and UAE regulations, and deliver as-built schedules, handover documentation and lessons learned

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field; Master's degree is a plus
• 10-15 years of planning and project controls experience, with significant experience in UAE/Abu Dhabi projects
• Exposure to large-scale residential, commercial, high-rise, infrastructure or mixed-use projects
• Preferred: experience leading planning teams in main contractors, EPC or PMC firms, and knowledge of Abu Dhabi authority requirements and project controls standards

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6, MS Project and MS Office
• Critical Path Method (CPM), earned value management (EVM), S-curve reporting and resource leveling
• Construction sequencing, logistics, cost control, procurement coordination and project risk management
• Leadership, analytical and communication skills, ability to handle multiple projects under pressure