Purpose of Role:

A Planning Manager develops and updates Project Programmes, leads relevant research and data analysis and coordination across different disciplines to support Project Directors and executive management in the strategic planning and execution of Projects.

The Planning Manager is in charge of the scheduling and planning efforts for assigned projects or portfolios, ensuring the efficient execution of project schedules by the team. This includes reviewing progress updates, conducting high-level progress analysis, and presenting strategic insights to senior management and clients.

This position will play a leadership role in Schedule management, fostering strong communication and alignment between project teams, stakeholders, and executive leadership. This position requires a combination of strategic vision, advanced technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and extensive industry experience to drive successful project outcomes and manage the planning department.

Core Responsibilities:

Develop Programmes and regular progress updates

Develop programmes such as Baseline Programme, Working Programme, Recovery Programme, etc., ensuring full compliance with contract requirements.

Carry out regular progress updates and review comprehensive management reports produced by the planning team.

Maintain project documentation

Establish and enforce standards for project documentation, including planning documents, schedule updates, and progress reports.

Record and maintain management process and Programme Change Log.

Schedule Analysis

Conduct complex schedule analyses and programme updates, translating data into strategic reports for executive management.

Maintain the Change matrix, evaluating variations, claims, and other significant project events.

Project Planning and Analysis

Establish and monitor of progress measurement tools such as histograms, S-curves, and high-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Review critical path analyses and guide project teams on schedule optimization.

Develop overarching mitigation strategies and assess their effectiveness across the project lifecycle.

Evaluate and advise senior management on potential schedule impacts due to scope changes, risks, or delays.

Perform Extension of Time (EOT) analyses and generate claim reports.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Generate comprehensive progress reports and present executive summaries to senior management and clients.

Produce daily, Weekly, and Monthly reporting submissions.

Conduct regular high-level schedule risk analyses to identify systemic bottlenecks and strategic risks across projects.

Documentation and Lessons Learned

Drive a culture of continuous improvement by maintaining an extensive historical database and lessons learned registry for process improvements and future bids.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Expertise:

Strong understanding and strategic application of construction industry standards and project control principles.

Planning Software Proficiency:

Expertise in project management software like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.

Analytical Skills:

Exceptional ability to analyse complex data, identify macro-level trends, solve critical problems, and make strategic executive decisions.

Communication Skills:

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively negotiate and convey strategic information to diverse stakeholders, including clients and executive boards.

A strong team player with excellent communication skills.

Leadership Abilities:

Proven ability to manage, lead, and coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve broader project goals.

Relevant Experience:

Minimum 8-10 years of relevant experience in Civil/Building projects, with significant experience in managerial or leadership role.

Proficiency in Primavera P6 is mandatory.

Good knowledge of construction methodologies, commercial claims, EOT protocols, and complex construction sequencing.

Proven track record in project planning and scheduling for large-scale, complex projects or mega-projects.

Education:

Degree in Engineering or equivalent.

Attention to Detail:

Ensures accuracy and reliability in scheduling data and reports.