Manager - Planning

AECOM; Al Ain; On-site; AED 520,000 - 760,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-1 onboarding

Job summary

AECOM in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Planning Manager to lead all planning, scheduling, monitoring and reporting for large infrastructure projects. You will develop integrated master programmes, manage risks, and ensure alignment with contractual milestones.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree, PMP/ PMI-SP preferred, 15 years planning experience with 5+ as planning manager on major infra, proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel, and familiarity with BIM and FIDIC

Qualifications

• 15+ years of planning and project controls experience, including 5+ years as planning manager on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience across roads, utilities, drainage, public realm, transport and urban development.
• UAE infrastructure project experience and authority compliance is highly desirable.
• Strong background in construction supervision and consultancy environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and update the project master programme using Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software.
• Review baseline programmes, recovery plans and revised schedules for compliance with milestones.
• Integrate design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and handover into the programme.
• Monitor progress, analyse schedule performance, critical paths and productivity trends.
• Identify delays and recommend corrective and recovery measures; prepare look-ahead programmes.
• Identify programme risks, perform delay analysis and support EOT assessments.
• Lead and mentor planning engineers; establish reporting standards across the project.
• Coordinate planning activities with Client, contractors, consultants, authorities and utilities.

Skills

Planning & Scheduling

Project Controls

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

PMP, PMI-SP certification preferred

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Excel

Project controls software

BIM

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Planning Manager is responsible for leading all project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting activities for large-scale infrastructure projects. The role ensures effective project controls by developing and maintaining integrated project programmes, monitoring progress, identifying risks, and supporting timely decision-making to achieve project objectives.

The Planning Manager works closely with the Client, Project Director, Resident Engineers, contractors, commercial teams, and stakeholders to ensure accurate programme management throughout design, construction, testing & commissioning, handover, and project close-out.

Key Job Duties

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, maintain, and update the project master programme using Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software.
• Review and assess contractor baseline programmes, recovery plans, and revised schedules.
• Ensure programme compliance with contractual milestones and project objectives.
• Integrate design, procurement, construction, testing & commissioning, and handover activities into the project programme.

Progress Monitoring & Project Controls

• Monitor project progress against the approved baseline programme.
• Analyse schedule performance, critical paths, float consumption, and productivity trends.
• Identify delays and recommend corrective and recovery measures.
• Prepare look-ahead programmes and monitor milestone achievement.

Risk & Delay Management

• Identify programme risks and potential delays.
• Perform delay analysis and assess schedule impacts.
• Support the evaluation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims.
• Maintain programme risk registers and mitigation plans.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate planning activities with the Client, contractors, consultants, authorities, and utility providers.
• Participate in progress meetings, technical workshops, and project coordination meetings.
• Ensure alignment between planning activities and project execution.

Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports, executive dashboards, KPI reports, and management presentations.
• Produce programme updates, S-curves, earned value reports, manpower and equipment histograms, and productivity analyses.
• Present planning status and key issues to senior management and the Client.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor project planning engineers.
• Establish planning procedures and reporting standards across the project.
• Promote continuous improvement in planning methodologies and project controls.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• PMP, PMI-SP, or equivalent professional certification is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of planning and project controls experience, including at least 5 years as planning manager on major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in roads, utilities, drainage, public realm, transportation, and urban development projects.
• Strong background in construction supervision and consultancy environments.
• Experience with UAE infrastructure projects and authority requirements is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Excel, and project controls software.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts, delay analysis techniques, EOT assessments, and project reporting.
• Experience preparing executive dashboards, KPIs, and schedule performance analyses.
• Familiarity with BIM, digital construction platforms, and document management systems is an advantage.

Behavioural & Management Competencies

• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under demanding project schedules.
• High level of professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10155303

Business Line: Water

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: On-Site