Our client, a growing real-estate and development group in Saudi Arabia with multiple ongoing and planned projects, is looking to appoint a Project Planning Specialist (Job Code: L10-006).
Reporting to the Project Management Director, the Project Planning Specialist will support the planning and monitoring of the company's project portfolio, ensuring alignment with approved strategies, timelines and budgets, and providing regular analysis and reports to support decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets and baseline plans across the approved project portfolio.
- Prepare and update periodic progress reports, highlighting variances against the baseline and recommending corrective actions.
- Design and maintain the project reporting roadmap (frequency, formats and channels) and ensure timely submission to the Project Management Director.
- Define and update key project performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards in the corporate systems.
- Coordinate regular review meetings with Project Managers to discuss progress, risks and issues.
- Standardise templates and tools used for planning and reporting in line with corporate PMO standards.
- Support the development of the project database, digital archiving and lessons-learned repository.
- Prepare and monitor project risk registers and follow up on mitigation plans.
- Produce analytical reports comparing actual vs. planned performance (time, cost, scope and quality).
- Liaise with shared services (Finance, IT, HR) on project-related financial, technical and administrative requirements.
- Contribute to the development of digital dashboards and improvements to reporting efficiency.
- Provide basic orientation/training to new project staff on planning tools, templates and reporting standards.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field.
- 4 - 6 years of experience in project management or PMO roles, including at least 2 years in an oversight / coordination role.
- Good knowledge of project lifecycles and planning tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera or similar).
- Familiarity with portfolio management, risk management and KPI / dashboard concepts.
- Preferred: Professional certification such as PMP or CAPM.
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills, with good command of English (spoken and written).
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong planning, analytical and follow-up skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in reports and data.
- Good understanding of project management methodologies and performance indicators.
- Effective communication and coordination skills with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and prepare professional presentations/reports.
