Planning Engineer Cum Cost Controller

S. S. Lootah Group; Dubai; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contracting company in Dubai seeks a Planning and Cost Control Engineer to manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring the timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in project planning and cost control, proficient in Primavera P6, and capable of analyzing project delays while maintaining high quality and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project planning and control in UAE.
• Experience with various project types (commercial, residential).
• Strong knowledge of scheduling techniques and project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain construction schedules using Primavera P6.
• Monitor project budgets and control costs.
• Analyse delays and prepare Extension of Time claims.

Skills

Project planning

Cost control

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Professional certifications (PMP, CPE)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Position Overview: The Planning and Cost Control Engineer at S.S. LOOTAH Contracting is responsible for managing project timelines and budgets, monitoring progress, analyzing delays, preparing EOT claims, forecasting project costs, tracking variations, and ensuring financial control from planning through execution. This dual-role ensures timely and cost-efficient delivery of projects while upholding quality and contractual compliance.

Responsibilities:

I. Project Planning:

• Develop, maintain, and continuously update the project master program and detailed construction schedules (Level 3/4) using Primavera P6, incorporating all trades (civil, architectural, MEP, infrastructure).
• Closely monitor actual site progress against the approved baseline program. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports, S-curves, and critical path analyses, highlighting variances and potential delays.
• Plan and optimize the allocation of site resources including manpower, plant & equipment, and major materials, ensuring their timely availability and efficient utilization.
• Conduct thorough delay analyses (e.g., using forensic techniques like impact analysis, as-built vs. as-planned) to identify causes of delays, quantify their impact, and prepare robust Extension of Time (EOT) claims and supporting documentation.
• Develop and issue detailed short-term (e.g., 2-week, 4-week) look-ahead schedules to guide site operations, enhance coordination, and identify potential bottlenecks.
• Develop and update project cash flow forecasts based on planned progress and cost projections for client payment applications and internal financial planning.
• Proactively identify potential planning risks (e.g., procurement delays, design issues, access constraints) and propose mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate planning meetings with site management, subcontractors, consultants, and the client to ensure alignment on schedules and address any planning-related issues.

II. Cost Control:

• Monitor and control project budgets by tracking actual costs against budgets and forecasts, identifying deviations early, and recommending corrective actions.
• Assist in developing the project cost baseline and updating it as required throughout the project lifecycle.
• Analyze and report cost variances (budget vs. actual), and update cost-to-complete and forecast-at-completion metrics regularly.
• Evaluate and incorporate variations, claims, and potential changes into the project cost model, coordinating with planning and commercial teams.
• Work closely with Procurement and Site teams to align cost data with procurement schedules and actual site progress.
• Coordinate and validate interim payment applications and cost reports, ensuring accurate financial reporting to internal management and the client.
• Assist in the preparation and settlement of final accounts in coordination with the Contracts and Commercial teams.

Authorities:

• Authorized to make changes to the project schedule in response to on-site developments and project needs.
• Authority to recommend adjustments in resource allocation to ensure project efficiency and address bottlenecks.
• Authority to organize and lead project status meetings with stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and project teams.
• Authority to review and control project expenses within pre-defined limits, and to recommend cost-saving measures to improve budget performance.
• Authorized to support negotiation of contract terms and commercial conditions with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure alignment with cost control objectives.
• Authority to assess and certify cost-related documentation such as payment applications, cost reports, and variation claims, ensuring alignment with project progress and approved budgets.

Accountability:

• Accountable for ensuring that project milestones and deadlines are met, identifying potential delays and addressing them proactively.
• Responsible for creating accurate and realistic schedules, minimizing deviations between planned and actual timelines.
• Accountable for effective resource planning, maximizing productivity while minimizing project delays and cost overruns.
• Responsible for identifying project risks and implementing strategies to mitigate scheduling impacts, minimizing disruptions.
• Accountable for delivering clear, accurate, and timely reports on project progress, variances, schedule forecasts, and financial performance to all stakeholders.
• Accountable for monitoring and controlling project costs, ensuring expenditures remain within the approved budget and financial targets.
• Accountable for verifying and certifying cost-related documentation such as payment applications, variation claims, and cost forecasts in alignment with project progress.
• Compliance with company policies including HSE Policies and legal standards.
• Every employee is accountable for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues. This includes following all safety protocols, identifying hazards, and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks.

1 Educational Background:

- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity surveying, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.

-certifications include Management Professional (PMP), Certified Planning Engineer (CPE),

2. Experience: - Minimum of 5 years of experience in project planning, scheduling, control and site quantity surveying with UAE based main contractor.

1. - Experience across various project types (e.g., commercial, residential, fit-out) is a strong advantage.
2. - Strong knowledge of planning software (P6, MS Project…).

• - Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

1. - Solid knowledge scheduling techniques, and project management principles.
2. - Solid knowledge in procurement processes, and financial analysis.

• - Excellent communication skills.