Associate Director – Planning

About the role

Mace is delivering a large‑scale, next‑generation digital infrastructure programme in the United Arab Emirates. As an Associate Director – Planning you will lead the planning and scheduling function for complex, mission‑critical projects, ensuring robust controls and alignment with net‑zero carbon objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on complex project requirements, analyse issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Lead planning and scheduling delivery for medium‑ to high‑complexity projects and programmes.
• Oversee planning, scheduling, Earned Value Management (EVM) and broader project controls to drive performance.
• Communicate confidently with clients, project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Develop robust plans, interpret trends using numerical and statistical techniques, and support decision‑making.
• Assist senior leadership with negotiations, contract development, due diligence and business development.
• Contribute to net‑zero carbon transition by identifying and managing associated emissions during delivery.

Required profile

• Degree or equivalent experience in construction, programme, project or commercial management.
• Working towards chartered status with a recognised professional body.
• Expert knowledge of schedule management tools and software.
• Experience in project controls and planning, preferably from a client‑side perspective, with a solid grounding in the full development lifecycle.
• Essential experience working in the United Arab Emirates.

Required skills

• Schedule management tools and software
• Project controls methodologies
• Earned Value Management (EVM)