Planning Manager

Position overview

Planning and schedule integration

• Lead creation, integration, and baseline approval of Level 1 to Level 5 Master Project Schedules using Primavera P6 and linear scheduling tools such as TILOS.
• Integrate civil works, earthworks, trackwork, catenary/OCS, signaling/ETCS, telecoms, traction power, stations, depots, and rolling stock interfaces.
• Align the WBS, CBS, procurement schedules, and contractual milestones.

Progress monitoring and delay analysis

• Establish progress measurement methods including EVM, physical S-curves, and productivity tracking.
• Monitor critical and near-critical paths and forecast delays, interfaces, and access-window conflicts.
• Perform monthly schedule updates, variance analysis, productivity benchmarking, and look-ahead schedule validation.
• Analyze delay events, EOT claims, and schedule impacts using methods such as Time Impact Analysis, As-Impacted, and Windows Analysis.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Legal teams on claim substantiation and mitigation strategies.

Risk, interfaces, and leadership

• Work with the Risk Manager on QSRA using Primavera Risk Analysis or Safran to model contingency and milestone probabilities.
• Manage interface schedules across civil and systems works, utility relocations, land acquisition, authorities, and third parties.
• Lead and mentor Senior Planners, Schedulers, and Progress Engineers.
• Prepare executive dashboards, monthly progress reports, KPI tracking, and presentations for clients, board members, and JV management.

Qualifications and experience

• Requires 10 to 15 years of progressive experience planning and scheduling major infrastructure projects.
• Requires a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• A master's degree or MBA is an advantage.
• PMI-SP, PMP, or RICS/AACE certification such as PSP is preferred.
• High-speed rail experience is preferred; heavy rail, metro, or other complex linear infrastructure experience will also be considered.
• Prior GCC experience, particularly in the UAE, on mega-infrastructure or rail projects is highly preferred.
• Requires strong familiarity with GCC/UAE authority approvals, statutory permissions, and regional supply chain dynamics.
• Requires hands-on experience with joint venture project structures or multi-contractor environments.