Head – Project Planning & Control

About the Business

Adani Group is a diversified Indian enterprise with 10 listed companies and a strong footprint in logistics and utility infrastructure across the country. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the group has built a leadership position in logistics and energy by focusing on large-scale infrastructure delivery and operations and maintenance practices aligned with global standards. It is also distinguished as the only infrastructure investment-grade issuer in India, with four IG-rated businesses.

Adani Airports Holding Limited is transforming the aviation sector by turning airports into modern hubs for connectivity, innovation, and service excellence. The organisation focuses on improving passenger experience, adopting advanced technology, and driving operational efficiency to create world-class airports that support regional development, global connectivity, sustainable growth, and community impact.

Role Purpose

The Head of Project Planning & Control will provide strategic direction for project planning, scheduling, control, and execution. The position is responsible for creating and managing a strong planning and control structure, overseeing integrated schedules, tracking project costs, and ensuring that delivery stays aligned with organisational and project goals.

What You Will Do

• Set up and lead strategic planning and control systems for major projects, with a focus on efficient use of resources and reduction of risk.
• Provide governance, direction, and oversight for the project management setup.
• Align project milestones with business objectives while maintaining cost discipline and quality standards.
• Drive the internal budgeting process and ensure resources are allocated effectively to meet schedule and financial targets.
• Support the master planning team with inputs related to project phasing.
• Create and manage integrated project schedules using tools such as Primavera and MS Project across engineering, procurement, and construction workstreams.
• Track critical paths and milestones, spot delays or deviations, and implement corrective measures to keep delivery on track.
• Manage change control activities so that changes are executed smoothly and their impact on time and cost is minimized.
• Monitor progress, establish SOPs, identify gaps, and work with teams to drive corrective action for timely completion.
• Coordinate with CPAG to maintain alignment with project goals, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Build and improve project portfolio management processes, including prioritisation, evaluation, and alignment to organisational priorities.
• Ensure the project portfolio is executed in line with approved priorities and business objectives.
• Promote collaboration among techno-commercial, design, contractor, and operations teams.
• Engage external stakeholders such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation, statutory bodies, and AERA to ensure regulatory alignment and project progress.
• Oversee project financials at a strategic level, ensuring CAPEX alignment and support for long-term financial planning.
• Put in place cost control mechanisms to keep spending within budget and reduce overruns.
• Review cost performance against financial benchmarks and initiate corrective actions when required.
• Define and monitor KPIs to track progress, quality, safety, and budget compliance.
• Deliver clear and timely reporting on status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
• Review performance metrics regularly to improve resource use and project outcomes.
• Create standard operating procedures for the PPC function to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Design and execute risk management approaches to identify, assess, and reduce project risks across the lifecycle.
• Develop strong KPI and reporting systems to ensure transparency and accountability in financial, project, and risk performance.
• Build a project management team focused on PPC deliverables, internal initiatives, and multiple projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, encouraging collaboration, ownership, and innovation.
• Promote a values-led culture centered on excellence, timely delivery, and client satisfaction.
• Champion the use of digital tools and technologies such as BIM, AI-based project management platforms, and Power BI to improve accuracy, forecasting, and decision-making.

Stakeholders

Internal: Chief Executive Officer - CSD, Chief Executive Officer - Aero, Chief Executive Officer - Non Aero, Chief Project Officer, Chief Business Officers, Chief Airport Officers, Project Heads, Planning & Design Team, Construction & Engineering Teams, Techno Commercial Team, Compliance & Legal Departments, IT Systems Team, and Finance Department.

External: Airport Authorities, Government and Regulatory Bodies, Contractors and Suppliers, DGCA, and External Consultants.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, such as B.E./B.Tech.
• A project management certification like PMP or an equivalent credential.
• A postgraduate qualification in Project Planning or Project Management from NICMAR or a similar institution is preferred.
• At least 20 years of end-to-end experience in Project Planning & Control.
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience managing large-scale construction projects.

Additional Information

This role is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is a full-time, on-site position. No vacancy count, salary figure, stipend, start date, or application deadline was specified.