Planning Engineer

Role Overview

The Planning Engineer will oversee schedule development, tracking, and control for commercial, retail, hospitality, and premium fit-out projects throughout the UAE. This position focuses on keeping projects on schedule through disciplined planning, progress measurement, resource forecasting, and close coordination with internal and external project stakeholders.

Reporting Line

This role reports to the Project Director or Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
• Create baseline programmes, procurement timelines, manpower histograms, and recovery plans.
• Track progress against approved schedules and flag likely delays early.
• Prepare weekly and monthly status updates for both management and clients.
• Evaluate project performance through critical path and earned value methods.
• Liaise with project managers, site teams, procurement, design, and subcontractors to keep execution aligned with the programme.
• Assess subcontractor schedules and incorporate them into the master plan.
• Draft extension of time claims and carry out delay analysis when needed.
• Monitor procurement and long-lead items to support on-time delivery.
• Assist with tender-stage planning by preparing preliminary schedules and resource plans.
• Attend progress meetings and provide updated programme information.
• Identify schedule risks and recommend practical mitigation actions.

Experience

The position calls for 5 to 10 years of planning experience in the UAE construction or fit-out industry, including at least 3 years specifically on interior fit-out work. Experience with commercial offices, hospitality, retail, F&B, and luxury residential fit-outs is preferred.

Education

A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field is required.

Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should be highly proficient in Primavera P6, comfortable with Microsoft Project and Excel, and familiar with project controls, scheduling practices, delay analysis, fit-out construction sequencing, and UAE authority approval processes.

Personal Attributes

Success in this role requires strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, clear communication, strong reporting skills, the capacity to manage pressure across multiple projects, and a detail-focused, well-organised working style.

Package and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical insurance
• Annual flight allowance
• Visa sponsorship
• Annual leave in line with UAE Labour Law

Additional Information

This opening is intended for a mid-to-senior level Planning Engineer responsible for managing several fit-out projects across Dubai and the wider UAE.