Planning Manager

Role overview

The Planning Manager leads the planning function and makes sure project programmes, schedules, and execution strategies remain aligned with business objectives. This role covers senior-level scheduling, resource planning, risk control, and reporting to clients and internal leadership.

Project scheduling and planning

• Build, maintain, and control the master programme for the project.
• Drive long-term planning and forecast labour, plant, and other resources.
• Prepare the contractual critical path schedule with the full work breakdown structure for contract-based submission and approval.
• Coordinate schedule revisions using inputs received from project management, planning control, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Track and update resource schedules for equipment and manpower so that key milestones are met.
• Prepare and keep current the material procurement schedule covering submittal, approval, ordering, and delivery, ensuring materials arrive on time, storage needs are reduced, and project delays are avoided. Related reports must be issued to the Head of Planning.

Risk management and compliance

• Advise on programme risks, mitigation measures, and recovery actions.
• Ensure project programmes follow the Planning Department SOP and all contractual obligations.
• Maintain compliance with Arabian Construction Co. planning procedures and standards.

Monitoring, reporting, and communication

• Monitor baseline progress and progress reporting across the project.
• Review and approve subcontractor baseline programmes, progress updates, and reporting submissions.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports for the client, consultant, and management.
• Track actual progress against the contractual schedule, identify delays, and oversee preparation of recovery plans.
• Produce internal and external reports as requested, including project budget statements and cash flow reporting.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and senior management on all planning-related matters.

Team leadership and meetings

• Lead, guide, and develop a team of planning engineers.
• Attend site meetings whenever required.

Qualifications and competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture Engineering.
• At least 15 years of planning experience on large-scale or high-rise building projects.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
• Strong background in claims, extension of time analysis, and contract terms.
• Deep experience in schedule risk assessment, recovery planning, and mitigation.
• Professional demeanour and confidence in delivery.
• Strong stakeholder communication and management skills.
• Good analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Proven ability to lead teams and improve productivity.
• Strong presentation and communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Primavera P6, advanced Excel, and project management tools; Power BI is preferred.
• Excellent spoken and written English.