Head of Planning

Ignite Search & Selection; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Search & Selection is seeking a Head of Planning to oversee scheduling, delay analysis and project controls for premier civil building projects in Dubai. You will drive robust master schedules and coordinate with executives, directors, and clients to ensure on-time delivery.

The role requires 15+ years in GCC/UAE planning, expert use of Primavera P6 and MS Project, EVM proficiency, FIDIC knowledge, and strong leadership to guide a team of Senior Planners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited university.
• PSP or PMP certification preferred.
• 15+ years of project planning/scheduling experience in GCC/UAE civil construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead master scheduling and baseline updates for high-value civil building projects.
• Conduct forensic delay analysis and EOT assessments to mitigate risks.
• Manage stakeholder alignment with Project Directors, Commercial teams, consultants and clients.
• Mentor and direct Senior Planning Engineers and Planners on active sites.
• Deliver executive reports, productivity analytics, cash flow forecasts and EV analysis.

Skills

Delay analysis

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

PSP / PMP certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Job description

Our client, a premier construction contractor in the UAE, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Planning to oversee and lead project planning, scheduling, and delay analysis across high-value civil building construction projects in Dubai.Reporting directly to Executive Management, the Head of Planning will play a critical role in developing robust master schedules, managing project controls, mitigating schedule risks, and driving operational efficiency across multi-million AED building projects.Strategic Planning & Controls: Establish, implement, and standardise project planning, progress tracking, and reporting procedures across all civil building construction projects.Master Scheduling: Oversee the development and maintenance of comprehensive baseline schedules, master planning, and resource-loaded schedules using Primavera P6.Risk & Delay Analysis: Conduct forensic delay analysis, Extension of Time (EOT) claims assessment, baseline updates, and critical path analysis to identify and mitigate schedule risks proactively.Stakeholder Management: Work closely with Project Directors, Commercial teams, Consultants, and Clients to align on project milestones, progress updates, and recovery schedules.Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and direct a team of Senior Planning Engineers and Planners across active sites.Reporting & Forecasting: Deliver executive-level progress reports, productivity analytics, cash flow forecasts, and earned value analysis to senior management.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited university. Professional planning certifications (e.g., PSP, PMP) are preferred.Experience: Minimum 15+ years of solid experience in project planning and scheduling within the civil building construction sector in the GCC/UAE.Technical Mastery: Expert proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, Earned Value Management (EVM), and delay analysis methodologies.Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of FIDIC contracts, claims procedure, resource allocation, and site execution workflows for high-rise and large-scale building construction projects.Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, and executive presentation skills.Availability: Candidates locally available in the UAE with immediate availability or standard notice periods will be given priority.