Planning Lead Deepwater project

Leap29; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An international service company seeks a Planning Lead for a renewable 6-month project in Dubai focused on deepwater exploration. The role requires 20+ years in upstream oil and gas, including at least 10 years in execution planning. Key responsibilities include leading execution readiness, coordinating planning across departments, and managing risks. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and proficiency in project planning tools. If you have the required experience, apply now.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of upstream oil & gas experience, including at least 10 years in execution planning or drilling operations.
• Proven track record in deepwater exploration well planning and execution.
• Familiarity with FEL frameworks and long-lead item management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution readiness process from FEL through to final drilling execution.
• Translate well concept and basis-of-design into an executable plan with timelines and interdependencies.
• Coordinate with subsurface, wells, HSE, procurement, legal, and logistics.

Skills

Execution planning

Deepwater exploration

Project management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related technical discipline

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

My Client is a large international Service company who specialise in E&P projects globally. Due to recent expansion in Guana, they are searching a Planning Lead to be based in Dubai for a 6 month renewable project for a deepwater project.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution readiness process from FEL through to final drilling execution.
• Translate well concept and basis-of-design into a fully executable plan with clear deliverables, timelines, and interdependencies.
• Coordinate with subsurface, wells, HSE, procurement, legal, and logistics to ensure integrated planning.
• Champion the stage-gate process to secure internal and partner approvals.
• Identify and secure long-lead items (e.g., wellheads, risers, casing, critical equipment) in coordination with supply chain.
• Develop and execute the procurement and contracting strategy in alignment with project risk, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Define the organizational structure and resourcing plan for all execution phases.
• Work closely with HR and project services to secure internal and external (contractor) resources.
• Ensure offshore/onshore readiness for drilling operations (logistics, accommodations, HSSE plans, etc.).
• Lead the identification, quantification, and mitigation of execution risks (technical, commercial, operational).
• Maintain and update the Execution Risk Register, with mitigation plans and clear ownership.
• Facilitate regular risk reviews, lessons learned integration, and mitigation progress tracking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• 20+ years of upstream oil & gas experience, including: Minimum 10 years in execution planning or drilling operations.
• Proven track record in deepwater exploration well planning and execution.
• Familiarity with FEL frameworks, procurement strategy development, and long-lead item management.
• Experience managing JV partners, regulatory interfaces, and steering committees.
• Proficient in project planning tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project), risk management systems, and readiness checklists.

If you feel you have the right experience, please feel free to apply.