Senior Planning Engineer

Company OverviewBI Group UAE is the regional arm of BI Group, one of Central Asia's largest development and construction firms with over 30 years of experience in delivering residential, commercial, and urban projects. Bringing its global expertise and commitment to building sustainable communities, BI Group has established a strong presence in Dubai. The company specializes in high-quality residential developments, strategic partnerships, and iconic projects designed to enhance modern urban living while driving long-term value creation. With its engineering excellence and large-scale capabilities, BI Group continues to shape cities and communities worldwide.Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Planning Engineer to manage project planning, scheduling, and progress monitoring across both pre-contract (tender evaluation, contract award) and post-contract (construction execution, handover) phases. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, proficiency in planning software (Primavera P6/MS Project), and the ability to translate complex project data into actionable insights for management decision-making.Key ResponsibilitiesPRE-CONTRACT PHASE (Tender to Award)1. Tender Programme EvaluationReview and analyze contractor-submitted construction programmes during tender stageAssess programme logic, sequence, and critical path validityEvaluate programme duration and milestone alignment with project requirementsIdentify risks, gaps, and unrealistic timelines in tender programmesCompare programmes across multiple biddersPrepare programme evaluation reports for tender committeeAssess contractor's understanding of project scope and sequencingReview contractor's proposed methodologies against programmeEvaluate mobilization periods and resource loadingCheck compliance with contract milestones and handover dates2. Master Schedule DevelopmentDevelop preliminary master schedule during project feasibility stageCreate high-level milestone schedules for project presentationsPlan phasing strategies for multi-phase developmentsCoordinate programme with design delivery scheduleIntegrate authority approval timelines into master scheduleAlign schedule with sales and marketing launch datesPlan handover schedules and phasing to end users3. Risk Analysis & Contingency PlanningIdentify schedule risks during pre-contract phaseConduct schedule risk analysis on tender programmesAssess impact of design changes on programmeEvaluate seasonal and weather impacts on scheduleRecommend schedule contingencies and buffersPrepare "what-if" scenarios for different contract strategiesAssess fast-track vs. traditional programme approaches4. Design & Procurement CoordinationDevelop design delivery schedule aligned with construction programmePlan consultant deliverable schedulesCoordinate long-lead procurement timelinesIntegrate MEP, façade, and specialty systems timelinesPlan authority approval submission and response periodsCoordinate design freeze dates with tender schedule5. Contract Programme BaselineFinalize baseline programme post-contract awardNegotiate programme amendments with contractorEstablish key project milestones and KPIsSet up programme monitoring and reporting frameworkAgree on programme update frequency and formatEstablish critical path methodology and float management rulesPOST-CONTRACT PHASE (Construction to Handover)1. Progress Monitoring & ReportingMonitor actual vs. planned progress on weekly/monthly basisConduct regular site walkthroughs to verify physical progressReview contractor's monthly progress reports and programmesValidate progress claims and S-curvesTrack critical path activities and milestone achievementPrepare detailed progress reports for management and stakeholdersCreate executive summary dashboards and KPI reportsConduct look-ahead planning (4-week, 8-week forecasts)Monitor early warning indicators and schedule trends2. Schedule Management & UpdatesReview and validate contractor's monthly programme updatesAnalyze programme variances and identify delaysAssess impact of delays on critical path and project completionMonitor float consumption and critical activitiesVerify logic links, constraints, and dependenciesCheck for out-of-sequence activitiesValidate resource loading and histogramsReview contractor's recovery programmesMaintain project baseline and track schedule changes3. Delay Analysis & Claims ManagementConduct delay analysis using recognized methodologies (Critical Path, Time Impact, Windows Analysis)Identify causes of delay (contractor, client, force majeure)Prepare delay analysis reports and EOT (Extension of Time) assessmentsSupport commercial team in evaluating contractor delay claimsDocument critical delays and concurrent delaysPrepare defence against unwarranted delay claimsMaintain delay event logs and contemporaneous recordsProvide expert input for dispute resolution and arbitration4. Coordination & MeetingsChair or participate in weekly progress meetingsCoordinate with all project stakeholders (contractor, consultants, authorities)Conduct monthly programme review meetingsFacilitate look-ahead planning sessionsCoordinate with design team on RFI and shop drawing approvals impactAlign planning with procurement and logistics schedulesInterface with sales/marketing on handover timelines5. Change ManagementAssess schedule impact of variations and change ordersEvaluate contractor's time extension requestsReview and approve/reject programme revisionsTrack cumulative impact of changes on project timelineCoordinate revised schedules with all stakeholdersUpdate baseline programmes when contractually required6. Resource & Logistics PlanningMonitor contractor's resource deployment vs. programmeReview manpower histograms and equipment schedulesIdentify resource constraints affecting progressCoordinate site logistics and access planningPlan tower crane usage and material hoisting schedulesCoordinate phased handovers and occupation planning7. Testing, Commissioning & Handover PlanningDevelop detailed T&C (Testing & Commissioning) schedulesPlan authority inspection schedules (DM, DEWA, Civil Defense, etc.)Coordinate snagging and defects rectification timelinesPlan phased handover schedulesCoordinate move-in dates with end usersMonitor defects liability period activitiesTrack warranty commencement dates8. Reporting & DocumentationPrepare weekly progress reports with schedule analysisCreate monthly comprehensive progress reports with:Progress S-curves (planned vs. actual)Milestone trackingCritical path analysisDelay analysisForecasted completion datesRisk and opportunity registerDevelop executive dashboards and KPI scorecardsMaintain programme records and archivesPrepare As-Built schedules at project completionDocument lessons learned for future projectsRequired QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field(mandatory)Master's degree in Project Management, Construction Management (preferred)Professional certifications:PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) (highly preferred)PMP (Project Management Professional) (preferred)AACE Certified Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) (preferred)Experience:Minimum 5-8 years in project planning and schedulingUAE construction/development experience (mandatory - minimum 3 years)Proven experience in BOTH pre-contract and post-contract planningResidential, commercial, or mixed-use development experienceExperience with projects valued AED 100M+ (preferred)Developer-side or consultant experience (preferred over contractor-only)Experience managing multiple projects simultaneouslyTechnical Skills:Mandatory:Expert proficiency in Primavera P6 (essential)Strong knowledge of MS ProjectAdvanced MS Excel (data analysis, pivot tables, macros)MS PowerPoint (executive presentations)Understanding of Critical Path Method (CPM)Knowledge of delay analysis methodologiesAbility to read and interpret construction drawingsUnderstanding of construction methods and sequencesPreferred:BIM 4D planning tools (Navisworks, Synchro)Power BI or Tableau (data visualization)Oracle Aconex or similar document management systemsRisk analysis software (Primavera Risk Analysis, @Risk)Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM)Understanding of FIDIC, NEC, or JCT contract formsKnowledge Requirements:Essential:UAE construction standards and practicesDubai Municipality approval processes and timelinesDEWA, Civil Defense, and other authority approval cyclesConstruction methodologies (traditional, fast-track, design-build)Resource planning and optimizationSchedule risk managementDelay analysis techniques (AACE recommended practices)Note: The above tasks and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the needs of the company and the evolution of the role.