Planning Manager

Planning Manager (High-Speed Rail / Mega-Projects)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Planning Manager with 10 to 15 years of project controls and planning experience, primarily within High-Speed Rail (HSR) or large-scale, complex linear infrastructure projects (e.g., heavy rail, metro networks, major highways, tunneling, or major civil engineering schemes).

In this role, you will lead the overall planning, scheduling, progress monitoring, and delay analysis functions across the project lifecycle—from design and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, and handover. You will serve as the primary expert on critical path management, resource leveling, risk mitigation, and contractual claim analysis, reporting directly to senior project leadership and interfacing with key stakeholders, clients, and joint venture partners.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Baseline Schedule Development & Integration

• Lead the creation, integration, and baseline approval of Master Project Schedules (Level 1 to Level 5) using Primavera P6 and line-of-balance / linear scheduling tools (e.g., TILOS).
• Integrate multidisciplinary packages: civil works, earthworks, trackwork, systems (catenary/OCS, signaling/ETCS, telecoms, traction power), stations, depots, and rolling stock interfaces.
• Ensure full alignment between the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS), procurement schedules, and contractual milestone requirements.

2. Progress Monitoring & Performance Tracking

• Establish robust progress measurement methodologies (Earned Value Management - EVM, physical S-curves, productivity tracking) tailored for linear and system-wide works.
• Monitor critical and near-critical paths continuously, forecasting potential delays, interfaces, or access window conflicts.
• Perform monthly schedule updates, variance analysis, productivity benchmarking, and Look-Ahead schedule validations with package managers and site teams.

3. Delay & Claims Analysis

• Analyze delay events, extension of time (EOT) claims, and schedule impacts using standard forensic delay analysis techniques (e.g., Time Impact Analysis, As-Impacted, Windows Analysis).
• Collaborate closely with the Commercial and Legal teams to prepare substantiation or mitigation strategies for claims and disputes.

4. Risk & Interface Management

• Work with the Risk Manager to conduct Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA) using Primavera Risk Analysis / Safran to model schedule contingency and key milestones probability.
• Manage interface schedules between civils, systems, utility relocations, land acquisition, municipal authorities, local statutory bodies, and third-party stakeholders.

5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Reporting

• Lead, mentor, and oversee a team of Senior Planners, Schedulers, and Progress Engineers.
• Prepare clear, high-impact executive dashboards, monthly progress reports, key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, and presentation decks for clients, board members, and JV executive management.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• Master's Degree / MBA is a distinct advantage.
• Professional Certifications: PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional), PMP, or RICS/AACE certification (e.g., PSP) preferred.

Experience

• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in planning and scheduling major infrastructure projects.
• Direct Experience: Proven track record on High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects preferred; experience in heavy rail, metro systems, or major complex linear infrastructure (tunneling, viaducts, multi-package civil works) will also be strongly considered.
• Regional Experience:Prior experience within the GCC region (particularly the UAE) on mega-infrastructure or rail projects is highly preferred.
• Strong familiarity with GCC/UAE local authority approval processes, statutory permissions, and regional supply chain dynamics.
• Hands-on experience managing joint venture (JV) project structures or multi-contractor environments.