Head of Planning

About the Role

A leading Tier 1 main contractor in the UAE specializing in major building projects is expanding its planning division to support ongoing growth. The company boasts a robust order book and an active pipeline of tenders. This role involves heading the planning function across all projects and tenders, reporting directly to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for planning activities across all current projects and tenders.
• Develop and implement company-wide planning standards, procedures, and reporting formats.
• Prepare and evaluate tender programmes, contributing programme insights for bid submissions.
• Manage baseline, recovery, and revised project schedules.
• Track project progress, earned value, and productivity across the portfolio and report performance and risks.
• Conduct delay analyses and prepare extension of time claims alongside supporting documentation.
• Advise project and commercial teams regarding contractual entitlements related to programme issues.
• Present programme performance updates to senior management and clients at executive levels.
• Lead, mentor, and direct a team of planning engineers.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Extensive planning experience with main contractors, ideally at Tier 1 level.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing a planning department or team.
• Track record working on building and fit-out projects within the UAE or broader GCC region.
• Expert proficiency with Primavera P6; knowledge of Asta Powerproject or MS Project is a plus.
• Strong understanding of FIDIC contracts and delay analysis techniques.
• Ability to confidently present to boards, clients, and consultants.
• Residence in UAE or willingness to relocate.