Planning Assistant

Mace Group; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking a junior Planning/Project Controls professional to support scheduling and reporting on a portfolio of projects.

You will work closely with experienced planners, coordinating with clients and contractors, and develop skills in planning, scheduling, and project controls within a multidisciplinary team. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Degree in construction, engineering, project management, or related field.
• A genuine interest in developing a long-term career in Planning and Project Controls.
• Basic knowledge of planning, scheduling and programme management principles.
• Exposure to Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project is advantageous.
• Good numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety, wellbeing, inclusivity and responsible delivery.
• Coordinate planning activities with the Mace team, clients, and contractors.
• Assist in collecting, reviewing and consolidating programme information.
• Monitor progress against plans and escalate delays to the Planning Manager.
• Prepare progress reports, look-ahead schedules and planning information.
• Review schedule data for completeness and accuracy with senior support.
• Attend planning and coordination meetings and capture actions.
• Develop understanding of project controls disciplines including planning and risk.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in construction/engineering/project management

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

Supports effective planning across allocated projects or portfolios, helping ensure programmes are well scheduled, monitored and delivered on time. Contributes to project management excellence, supporting profitable delivery and creating the right conditions for teams and clients to succeed.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Champion safety, wellbeing, inclusivity and responsible delivery in everything you do.
• Work closely with the Mace team, clients and multiple contractors on the programme, supporting coordination of planning activities across the site.
• Assist in collecting, reviewing and consolidating programme and progress information from contractors and project stakeholders.
• Monitor progress against agreed programmes, key milestones and deadlines, escalating potential delays or conflicts to the Planning Manager.
• Assist with the preparation of progress reports, programme updates, look-ahead schedules and other planning information.
• Review schedule information for completeness and accuracy and provide basic commentary and analysis with support from senior members of the planning team.
• Attend planning, progress and coordination meetings, capturing key programme actions and following up with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop an understanding of project controls disciplines including planning, scheduling, progress measurement, reporting, change and risk.
• Build effective working relationships with contractors, the client team and wider project stakeholders.
• Work closely with experienced Planning and Project Controls professionals, developing the technical and professional skills required to progress into a planning/project controls manager career path.
• Support safety, sustainability and responsible project delivery throughout the programme.

You’ll need to have:

• 0 to 3 years’ relevant experience, ideally within construction, engineering, infrastructure, project management or the built environment.
• A relevant degree or qualification in construction, engineering, project management, quantity surveying or a related discipline.
• A genuine interest in developing a long-term career within Planning and Project Controls.
• Basic knowledge of project planning, scheduling and programme management principles.
• Knowledge of planning/scheduling software, with exposure to Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project advantageous.
• Good analytical skills with strong attention to detail and confidence working with project information and data.
• Ability to review information, identify inconsistencies and support basic programme analysis.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to coordinate with different contractors and project stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project environment.
• Good organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive approach to learning, with the confidence to ask questions and seek guidance when required.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.