Planning Director - Construction Industry

The Greater Change; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction company in Abu Dhabi seeks a Planning Director to lead all planning and project controls functions. The role requires a minimum of 12 years' leadership experience in construction or high-rise projects. Responsibilities include developing planning standards, coordinating resources, and driving reporting quality. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or similar, along with expertise in Primavera P6. This position offers executive-level compensation aligned with UAE market standards.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of leadership experience in construction or high rise projects.
• Expert knowledge of project controls methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and scheduling functions across multiple projects.
• Monitor project risks and support claims preparation.
• Coordinate manpower and resource planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Construction Management

Project Management

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

• Position: Planning Director
• Industry: Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure
• Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

The Planning Director leads all planning, scheduling, and project controls functions across multiple projects. The role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with contractual, commercial, and operational objectives.

This position integrates planning with procurement, commercial, and execution strategies to improve project predictability, performance, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Leadership

• Develop and implement planning standards, procedures, and methodologies.
• Establish master programs, baseline schedules, and progress measurement systems.
• Provide strategic planning direction to project teams.

Project Controls

• Monitor project progress, risks, and recovery strategies.
• Lead delay analysis, reporting, and mitigation planning.
• Support claims preparation and time impact analysis.

Resource & Cost Coordination

• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and resource planning.
• Support productivity analysis and performance optimization.

Systems & Reporting

• Implement and manage Primavera P6, MS Project, and planning dashboards.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy and reporting quality.

Team Leadership

• Lead recruitment, development, and performance management of planning teams.
• Build strong planning capability across project teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 12+ years of planning leadership experience in construction or High Rise projects.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Project Management.
• Expert knowledge of Primavera P6 and project controls methodologies.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• High level of professionalism and technical competence.

Compensation

• Executive-level compensation aligned with UAE market standards.