Planning Manager

About the role

We are seeking a highly accomplished Planning Manager to take strategic ownership of planning, scheduling, and project controls for major, high‑value construction and real estate developments in Dubai. This key leadership role involves overseeing project planning strategy across all phases, leading planning teams, and acting as a trusted advisor to Project Directors and senior leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Define, implement, and govern overall project planning, scheduling strategies, and project control frameworks across major construction developments.
• Lead, mentor, and manage planning engineers and project controls professionals, fostering high standards of performance.
• Direct the development, integration, and management of baseline programmes, integrated master schedules, and resource‑/cost‑loaded schedules.
• Drive critical path analysis, scenario planning, schedule risk assessments, and delay impact analysis, including EOT claims strategy.
• Challenge progress assumptions, monitor performance against approved baselines, and hold internal teams, consultants, and contractors accountable.
• Prepare and present high‑level executive dashboards, progress reports, and strategic insights for senior leadership.
• Review, evaluate, and approve contractor/sub‑contractor programmes to ensure compliance with project and contractual requirements.
• Establish best practices, refine reporting standards, and modernize project controls and planning methodologies.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in project planning and controls on major, large‑scale construction/real estate projects in the UAE/GCC region.
• Proven leadership experience managing planning teams and interacting directly with C‑suite executives, clients, and main contractors.
• Professional working proficiency in English.

Required skills

• Planning software: Primavera P6, MS Project.
• Critical path analysis and forensic delay analysis.
• EOT (Extension of Time) claims management.

What we offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Official UAE employment status.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Opportunity to lead planning strategy on iconic developments in Dubai.
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and key industry players.
• Working schedule: 6 days per week – Monday to Saturday (Sunday off).