Global Project Planning Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned Global Project Planning Manager based in the United Arab Emirates to establish and maintain uniform project scheduling standards across a worldwide organization. This position emphasizes strategic planning, technical proficiency, coaching, and ensuring quality across an international landscape.

The role involves close collaboration with regional project teams through all project stages — from tendering and initiation to execution and review. The ideal candidate will contribute to setting realistic project baselines, discerning scheduling risks, and improving the accuracy of project forecasts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, standardize, and continuously enhance global methods, processes, tools, and scheduling standards for project planning across various regions.
• Assist regional teams during tender and initial project phases to create achievable, high-quality baseline schedules.
• Analyze project schedules for feasibility, completeness, quality, and potential risks to execution.
• Perform quality assessments, due diligence, and regional project reviews to boost scheduling dependability.
• Provide training and support to regional project schedulers on planning techniques, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure adequate qualifications, capabilities, and availability of project scheduling personnel worldwide.
• Offer expert advice on project scheduling requirements and assist in resolving complex planning issues.
• Identify and implement improvements to enhance scheduling accuracy, uniformity, and reliability.
• Communicate intricate planning details and recommendations clearly to project teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Influence project planning methodologies across global teams by fostering high standards through expertise rather than direct authority.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, project management, or related technical disciplines.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in project scheduling, with proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
• Extensive knowledge of international project execution and scheduling procedures, preferably in sectors like power generation, hydro, infrastructure, or large-scale plant construction.
• Proven experience in training, mentoring, or leading project planning or scheduling teams.
• Strong understanding of planning methodologies, scheduling standards, baseline formulation, risk identification, and schedule quality evaluation.
• Excellent analytical and strategic skills to tackle intricate planning and execution challenges.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to simplify complex scheduling concepts for diverse audiences.
• Ability to influence and motivate teams across regions without direct management authority.
• Confident leadership presence within multicultural, global environments.
• High initiative, accountability, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across international teams while managing multiple priorities and maintaining consistent standards.

Benefits

• Competitive pay reflective of market standards and candidate qualifications.
• Engagement with complex, international projects within a global technology and engineering context.
• Opportunity to shape and refine project planning standards globally across several regions.
• Exposure to significant energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
• Chance to coach, train, and collaborate with project planning professionals internationally.
• Professional growth through challenging assignments and continuous process enhancements.
• Experience a culturally diverse workplace with remote work options applicable to various global regions including India.
• Contribute to innovative technologies and important projects in hydro and energy sectors.