Planning Manager

About the Role

Sterling Project Management Consultancy (Sterling PMC) operates as a client-side project management and Employer's Representative across the UAE, partnering with developers, institutions, and private clients. We are seeking a Planning Manager to oversee programme control for a multi-tower residential development portfolio on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

As the Planning Manager, you will represent the Employer by critically assessing contractor updates, providing accurate status insights to the client, and delivering actionable evidence to inform decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate, challenge, and decide on acceptance or rejection of contractor baseline programmes and subsequent updates.
• Verify progress reports independently by comparing them against on-site records instead of relying solely on contractor narratives.
• Generate portfolio-wide programme reports, including S curves, milestone tracking, and critical path assessments.
• Conduct delay analyses and assess Entitlement of Time (EOT) claims, preparing the client's stance on such matters.
• Maintain and update the risk register, modelling how current risks and changes impact the project schedule.
• Assist the project management team with contractual correspondence related to programme timelines.
• Present programme status reports directly to the client at both the portfolio and board levels.

Candidate Profile

• Holder of a degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Possess at least 10 years of significant planning experience, including relevant exposure in the UAE.
• Proficient user of Primavera P6—this requirement is mandatory.
• Experienced in delay analysis with familiarity in established methodologies.
• Strong understanding of FIDIC contracts, especially provisions pertinent to time management.
• Experience with high-rise residential or extensive mixed-use portfolios.
• Excellent written communication and capable of confidently advocating positions before contractor planners.
• Professional certification such as PMI-SP or equivalent is advantageous but not compulsory.
• Currently residing in or open to relocating to Abu Dhabi.

Benefits and Offerings

• Oversight of an entire portfolio rather than a single project.
• Direct liaison and influence with the client’s decision-making process.
• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, alongside standard UAE employment benefits.