Senior Planning Manager

AECOM; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Senior Planning Manager responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing project schedules for fit-out projects including interior finishes and MEP coordination.

You will lead CPM scheduling across trades, manage baselines and change control, mentor junior staff, and produce scheduling reports for stakeholders.

This role requires 12–15 years' experience and a Bachelor's in a related field; PMP/CSP and BIM experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of progressive experience in construction project planning and scheduling
• 8 years in a senior planning or scheduling management role
• Experience developing and managing CPM schedules for complex fit-out and MEP coordination projects
• Strong knowledge of WBS development and project coding

Responsibilities

• Analyze schedule data to identify critical path issues and delays in fit-out delivery phases
• Develop and maintain CPM schedules for fit-out projects with trade coordination
• Lead junior planning staff and mentor on fit-out scheduling best practices
• Track corrective actions for schedule variances with subcontractors and departments
• Produce and update scheduling management reports for stakeholders
• Maintain Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) across projects
• Perform resource loading and schedule risk analysis for labor allocation
• Monitor contractor progress and evaluate subcontract schedule performance
• Manage baseline schedule and change management processes
• Apply earned value management to schedule performance
• Support project reporting to clients and management
• Lead scheduling review meetings for fit-out phases and trades

Skills

CPM scheduling

Multi-trade coordination

WBS development

Earned value management

Schedule baselines

Resource loading

Mentor junior staff

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or related field

PMP or CSP certification (preferred)

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

BIM integration (scheduling)

Job description

Company Description

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

The Senior Planning Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing project schedules specific to fit-out projects, including interior finishes, MEP coordination, and phased delivery requirements. This role requires expertise in managing complex scheduling across multiple trades and subcontractors while ensuring alignment with main contract milestones and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes schedule data to identify critical path issues and potential delays in fit-out delivery phases.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive CPM schedules for fit-out projects, incorporating engineering, procurement, and construction phases with particular attention to trade sequencing and coordination requirements.
• Leads junior planning staff through assignment tasks and provides mentorship on fit-out scheduling best practices.
• Tracks and manages corrective actions to address schedule variances and coordinates schedule input from all organizational departments and subcontractors.
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends corrective actions for schedule variances specific to fit-out project constraints and dependencies.
• Produces and updates comprehensive scheduling management reports for stakeholder review.
• Develops and maintains the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for fit-out projects, ensuring effective project coding across all cornerstone applications.
• Utilizes drawings, specifications, and fit-out design documents to develop accurate and detailed schedules.
• Performs resource loading and schedule risk analysis to optimize labor allocation across multiple trades and phased delivery requirements.
• Assembles and manages data for regular schedule updates, reflecting progress on fit-out activities and subcontractor performance.
• Demonstrates knowledge of construction contracting terms and their scheduling implications, particularly as they relate to fit-out subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Monitors contractor progress, reviews invoices, and evaluates subcontract schedule performance to provide management with actionable insights.
• Manages scope control and change management processes, incorporating directed changes into the schedule baseline while maintaining earned value methodology standards.
• Assumes responsibility for baseline schedule maintenance and ensures schedule integrity throughout the fit-out project lifecycle.
• Applies cost analysis and forecasting techniques to support planning and scheduling decisions.
• Conducts performance measurement and analyzes schedule trends to support project forecasting and reporting.
• Supports multiple levels of project reporting to clients, stakeholders, and internal management.
• Leads and participates in project planning and scheduling review meetings, ensuring alignment across all fit-out phases and trade coordination.
• Assists in developing and implementing scheduling procedures and best practices specific to fit-out project delivery.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive experience in construction project planning and scheduling, with at least 8 years in a senior planning or scheduling management role
• Extensive experience developing and managing Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules for complex fit-out, interior finishes, and MEP coordination projects
• Proven expertise in multi-trade coordination and subcontractor scheduling management across phased delivery projects
• Advanced proficiency with industry-standard scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development and project coding across enterprise applications
• Strong knowledge of construction contracting terms, subcontract management, and their scheduling implications
• Proficiency in earned value management (EVM) methodology and schedule performance analysis
• Proven track record of managing schedule baselines, change management processes, and scope control
• Experience with resource loading, schedule risk analysis, and labor allocation optimization
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior planning staff and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify critical path issues and recommend corrective actions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce comprehensive reports for multiple stakeholder levels
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Project Management, or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Scheduling Professional (CSP) certification
• Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration in scheduling processes
• Knowledge of construction accounting software and invoice management systems
• Experience in commercial interior fit-out or tenant improvement projects
• Familiarity with multiple scheduling methodologies and best practices development
• Experience supporting multiple concurrent projects with complex dependencies

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: J10161381

Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: On-Site