Head of Planning

Vanderlande Industries; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderlande Industries is seeking a Head of Planning to lead the planning function across a large multi-disciplinary project in the UAE. You will drive integrated scheduling, risk mitigation and commercial alignment, coordinating with contracts, risk, finance and operations to deliver on contractual milestones.

You will shape the planning strategy, mentor the team, and present schedule performance to executives and customers, ensuring the project schedule is robust and aligned with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of project planning experience with at least 3 in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with FIDIC contracts on large-scale infrastructure or industrial projects.
• Expert-level Primavera P6, including CPM, TIA, EVM and resource loading.
• AACE PSP or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategically shape the planning function and align with broader business goals.
• Identify opportunities through planning insights and operational foresight.
• Lead change initiatives and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate with contract and risk managers to align schedules and risk strategies.
• Support EOT claims, variation orders and contractual notices.
• Develop and mentor the planning team and standardize tools.
• Oversee integrated master schedules using Primavera P6 across phases.
• Ensure schedules align from design to testing stages.
• Review critical-path analyses and schedule risk evaluations.
• Lead EV M implementation and provide forecast reporting.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract law & risk management

Negotiation skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Project management systems

Team development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Contract management tools

Job description

Head of Planning

Overview

As the Head of Planning you will lead the planning function across a large multi‑disciplinary project ensuring strategic alignment, schedule integrity and contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle. You will oversee the development and integration of complex project schedules, manage planning resources and serve as the key interface between planning, project management, commercial and operational teams internally and with the customer and other main contractors externally.

You are a strategic entrepreneur who identifies business opportunities, influences change and builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You are a recognized authority in your field capable of managing complex projects and negotiating at the highest levels.

A critical part of your role is maintaining a strong collaborative partnership with the Contract and Risk Manager to ensure that planning risk and commercial strategies are fully aligned. Together you will drive project success through integrated scheduling, claims management and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Influence

• Act as a strategic partner in shaping the future of the planning function and its integration with broader business goals.
• Identify and create new business opportunities through planning insights and operational foresight.
• Influence decision‑making processes and lead change management initiatives across the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision‑makers internally and externally acting as a trusted advisor and negotiator.
• Represent the planning function in executive discussions, customer negotiations, other main contractor negotiations and strategic reviews.
• Ensure that the Vanderlande project schedule is aligned and agreed upon with other trades and part of the overall project schedule of the customer within the contractual boundaries of the contract between customer and Vanderlande.

Collaboration with Contract & Risk Management

• Work closely with the Contract and Risk Manager to align project schedules with contractual obligations and risk strategies.
• Support the preparation and substantiation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, variation orders and contractual notices.
• Integrate risk assessments and mitigation strategies into project schedules and planning processes.
• Ensure planning data supports accurate pricing documentation and compliance with contract terms.
• Participate in risk workshops and contribute to the development of risk registers and commercial strategies.

Team Management & Development

• Lead and develop a high‑performing planning team including Specialist and Project Planners.
• Define and implement planning standards, tools and methodologies across the project.
• Provide mentorship, training and performance management to planning staff.

Project Planning Oversight

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of integrated master schedules using Primavera P6.
• Ensure alignment of schedules across design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and testing phases.
• Review and approve critical‑path analyses, time impact assessments and schedule risk evaluations.
• Support planning input during proposal phases ensuring contractual milestones are reflected.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Lead Earned Value Management (EVM) implementation and reporting across the project.
• Ensure planning data supports accurate forecasting, budgeting and performance tracking.
• Present schedule performance and risk assessments to internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and tools.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project planning with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with FIDIC contracts and large‑scale infrastructure or industrial projects.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Primavera P6 including CPM, TIA, EVM and resource/cost loading.
• AACE PSP or equivalent certification preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Visionary leadership with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong understanding of contract law, risk management and claims processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills at the executive level.
• Deep collaboration skills with commercial, legal and risk management teams.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• High proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and project management systems.