Planning Manager

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title:

Planning Manager

Reports to:

Head of PMO (Programme Management Office)

Division:

Projects

Department:

Programme Management Office

2. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Planning Manager at Wasl plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful delivery of real estate projects by developing, monitoring, and maintaining project schedules, coordinating with stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement in planning practices. This position demands a combination of technical expertise, effective communication, and a deep understanding of real estate development processes in the UAE.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS:

Number of Staff Supervised

Direct Reports:

None

Total Reports:

None

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Key Accountabilities

Project Planning and Scheduling

Develop, maintain, and monitor project schedules across multiple real estate development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines. Identify critical paths, milestones, and dependencies to ensure successful project delivery. Monitor baseline schedules and ensure the timely submission of periodic updates from project teams.

Progress Tracking and Reporting

Track project performance against schedules and KPIs, identify delays, and provide recommendations to recover project timelines. Prepare and deliver progress reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and transparency in project updates.

Risk Management

Conduct regular risk analysis and highlight potential delays or cost overruns. Work closely with project managers to develop mitigation strategies to address identified risks.

Claims Management

Provide technical input and assist in the evaluation of claims for extension of time, and provide input any consequent legal proceedings in this regard including dispute resolution measures.

Stakeholder Interfaces

Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including development, design, procurement, and construction teams, to align on project timelines and deliverables. Coordinate with external stakeholders such as contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.

Project Controls and Standards

Develop and implement project planning standards, templates, and tools to improve efficiency and consistency across the organization. Ensure adherence to planning policies, governance frameworks, and best practices. Support the Head of PMO in improving organizational planning maturity and capabilities.

Continuous Improvement

Analyze lessons learned from completed projects and recommend changes to improve project planning processes. Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to enhance project planning capabilities.

Key Technical Skills and Knowledge

Project Planning Tools

Proficiency in planning and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or equivalent tools. Experience in generating visual project timelines using tools like Power BI or Excel.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Strong analytical skills to interpret data, trends, and performance metrics. Advanced expertise in MS Excel, Power BI for data-driven decision-making, including pivot tables, macros, and complex formulas.

Risk Management

Knowledge of tools and methodologies to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, including the establishment and maintenance of risk registers.

Construction and Real Estate Knowledge

Strong understanding of construction methodologies, lifecycle stages of real estate development, and regulatory processes in the UAE. Experience in tracking project progress in design, procurement, and construction phases.

Regulatory Compliance

Awareness of local regulations related to real estate development and construction.

5. COMMUNICATIONS and WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal

• Projects
• RED
• Procurement
• Commercial
• Legal
• AMSS
• GIS
• Sales
• Business Excellence
• Audit

External

• Consultants
• Contractors
• Site teams

6. Context, Work environment AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY (DELEGATIONS):

• .

7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• .

8. SELECTION CRITERIA:

Qualifications and Experience (Essential and Desirable):

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PSP (Planning and Scheduling Professional), or equivalent are highly preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project planning and scheduling in real estate or construction. Experience working in a PMO environment is an advantage