Planning Section Head

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Planning Section Head to lead project planning and controls functions for major projects. This senior role requires deep expertise in Primavera P6, project scheduling, and project controls across the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will develop, maintain, and monitor complex project schedules, ensuring timely delivery and effective resource allocation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed project schedules using Primavera P6.
• Lead project planning and project controls activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track project progress against baselines, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Establish and enforce planning standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to integrate schedule data.
• Prepare and present schedule reports, dashboards, and forecasts to senior management.
• Perform risk analysis, critical path analysis, and scenario planning.
• Manage a team of planners/schedulers, providing guidance and performance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with contractual schedule requirements and client expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies and tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project planning and controls, with at least 5 years in a lead/senior role.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 (Professional level).
• Strong knowledge of project scheduling techniques: CPM, resource leveling, earned value management (EVM).
• Proven experience managing planning functions for large-scale infrastructure, construction, or industrial projects.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification or equivalent (e.g., PMI-SP, AACE PSP).
• Experience with other scheduling tools (MS Project, Tilos, PowerProject).
• Familiarity with BIM 4D scheduling integration.
• Background in claims analysis and delay analysis techniques.
• Experience in the Middle East/GCC region.

Core Competencies

• Project Scheduling & Controls
• Primavera P6 Expertise
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk & Delay Analysis
• Team Leadership & Mentoring
• Stakeholder Communication
• Contractual Compliance