Senior Planning Manager - Constructions

Role Summary

This position is for a Senior Planning Manager in the construction sector, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The role focuses on directing planning, scheduling, and performance tracking for major group-wide initiatives spanning several business units.

The ideal professional will have deep expertise in master planning, project controls, and coordinating across functions. This is a high-level strategic role that works closely with senior leaders, technical specialists, and outside partners to keep projects moving on schedule, within budget, and aligned with overall business priorities.

Core Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and revise detailed project schedules throughout the full project cycle, using tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project, from initial concept through completion.
• Blend scope, timelines, and resource needs into a complete delivery plan while pinpointing critical paths and task dependencies.
• Ensure project planning remains aligned with the wider group strategy and investment objectives.
• Monitor project progress using earned value management, KPI tracking, and dashboard reporting.
• Carry out schedule risk reviews and propose practical corrective measures when delays or issues arise.
• Handle delay analysis and assess entitlement for extension of time submissions.
• Take part in annual planning and multi-year business planning cycles.
• Work with subsidiaries to combine plans and improve alignment in milestones, timelines, and resource use.
• Support feasibility studies and strategic planning for new developments and business ventures.
• Serve as the link between project teams, finance, legal, the executive office, and external consultants or contractors.
• Provide leadership teams with timely data, schedule insights, and risk evaluations to support decisions.
• Prepare executive reports, planning documents, and dashboards for board-level and senior management review.
• Keep clear audit records for planning choices and any changes made to baseline plans.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 10 years of overall experience, including no less than 5 years in a planning or project control leadership position.
• Background in large-scale real estate, construction, infrastructure, or complex multi-sector project portfolios.
• Hands-on expertise with Primavera P6, MS Project, and related planning tools.
• Exposure to cost planning, FIDIC contracts, and project governance is beneficial.
• Prior work experience in family-owned businesses or private investment groups is preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities, with the ability to coordinate several stakeholders at once.
• Experience on high-rise tower projects.

Additional Information

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Construction

Employment Type: Full-time, onsite