Planning Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join our team in Abu Dhabi. This role requires expertise in creating baseline schedules from limited project data, particularly for hospitality and mixed-use developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop initial baseline project schedules covering all phases from initiation through to completion, identifying stage gates accordingly.
• Support preparation and management of comprehensive programmes including design, procurement, and construction timelines along with necessary supporting schedules.
• Coordinate and oversee master planning, engineering, procurement, and construction schedules, integrating all required associated information.
• Define and implement project reporting protocols; prepare and deliver monthly progress reports and develop dashboard templates for use by designers and contractors.
• Review schedules and related documentation from designers and contractors to assess alignment with project goals.
• Analyze schedule trends to spot issues and propose corrective measures; monitor progress against plans.
• Keep track of engineering design progress, procurement of materials and equipment, construction activities, and commissioning status.
• Use earned value techniques to create progress monitoring tools for managing schedules on- and off-site, identifying deviations and suggesting corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with Project Controls Manager and project team to ensure programme feasibility and compliance with master plans and contracts.
• Engage daily with designers, PMCs, contractors, subcontractors, and internal management.
• Conduct studies related to scheduling, manpower, cash flow, and material flow as necessary.
• Attend offsite client meetings as required.
• Review schedules for delays affecting key milestones.
• Assist with defending or approving claims for time extensions or major schedule changes.
• Ensure Planning Engineers manage their sections professionally, maintaining current information and effective communication.
• Implement and maintain standardized administrative procedures for planning activities across the project.
• Work collaboratively with project management to achieve deliverables as directed by Project Director.
• Integrate key stakeholder requirements and approvals into scheduling baselines.
• Issue regular high-level schedule updates weekly.
• Identify and report issues hampering progress and recommend improvements to enhance schedule performance.
• Establish standardized scheduling and reporting procedures, tools, templates, and guidelines across the programme.
• Monitor timing of submittals to comply with schedule demands.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators for the programme.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses degree(s) in construction management and/or civil engineering with membership or chartership in a construction-related professional body.
• Has at least 10 years' experience in planning and scheduling, demonstrated in heritage, hotel, master planning, museum, cultural, or pavilion projects.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience working within the region is preferred.
• Fluency in Arabic, both spoken and written, is considered advantageous.

Rewards and Benefits

• Tax-exempt salary package.
• Extensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium healthcare insurance for candidate and dependents.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, including opportunities for remote work abroad.
• Company gratuity scheme and discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight allowance and relocation support.
• Allowances for transportation and housing applicable to remote work locations.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives offering 24/7 access to experts in finance, legal issues, family support, health, fitness, and nutrition.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a global leader in engineering services and nuclear sectors, connecting people, data, and technology to transform infrastructure and energy systems worldwide. Our teams of consultants, designers, engineers, and project managers partner with clients to engineer sustainable future solutions for the planet and its people.