Head of Planning

Our client is a Tier 1 main contractor delivering major building projects across the UAE. They hold a strong order book with an active tender pipeline, and are investing further in their planning function to support continued growth.The roleThey are seeking an experienced Head of Planning or Senior Planning Manager to take full ownership of the planning function across the business. This is a leadership appointment reporting directly to senior management, covering every live project and every tender pursued.The successful candidate will set the standards the department works to, build and lead the team that delivers them, and act as the authority on all programme matters with clients, consultants and supply chain.ResponsibilitiesTake overall responsibility for planning across all live projects and tendersEstablish and maintain planning standards, procedures and reporting formats across the businessPrepare and review tender programmes and provide programme input into bid submissionsOversee baseline, recovery and revised programmesMonitor progress, earned value and productivity across the portfolio and report on performance and riskLead delay analysis and prepare extension of time claims and supporting narrativesAdvise project and commercial teams on programme related contractual entitlementPresent programme performance to executive management and to clients at senior levelBuild, mentor and manage a team of planning engineersRequirementsDegree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management or a related disciplineSignificant planning experience with main contractors, including time at Tier 1 levelProven track record of leading a planning department or planning teamDelivery experience across building and fit out projects in the UAE or wider GCCExpert user of Primavera P6, with Asta Powerproject or MS Project an advantageStrong working knowledge of FIDIC and delay analysis methodologiesConfident presenting to boards, clients and consultantsBased in the UAE or willing to relocate