Senior Planning Manager, Holding Group
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reports to: CEO (depending on structure)
Industry: Diversified Family Holding (Construction)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Planning Manager to lead the planning, scheduling, and performance monitoring of major group-level projects across multiple business units. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in master planning, project control, and cross-functional coordination, preferably within family-owned or private conglomerates in the GCC.
This is a strategic role requiring close collaboration with executive leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning & Scheduling
- Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules (Primavera P6/MS Project) across the project lifecycle from concept to completion.
- Integrate scope, timelines, and resources into a comprehensive project plan, identifying critical paths and dependencies.
- Support the alignment of project plans with broader group strategy and investment goals.
Performance Monitoring & Control
- Track progress and performance through earned value management (EVM), KPIs, and reporting dashboards.
- Conduct schedule risk analysis and recommend corrective actions where needed.
- Lead delay analysis and extension of time (EOT) assessments.
Strategic Planning & Governance
- Participate in annual and multi-year business planning exercises.
- Coordinate across subsidiaries to consolidate plans and ensure synergy in timelines, resource allocation, and milestone alignment.
- Contribute to feasibility assessments and strategic planning for new developments or ventures.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders (project teams, finance, legal, executive office) and external consultants/contractors.
- Support the leadership team with decision-making data, timelines, and risk assessments.
Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare executive-level reports, planning documentation, and dashboards for board and senior management reviews.
- Maintain full audit trails of planning decisions and changes to the baseline.
Key Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a planning or project control leadership role.
- Proven experience in large-scale real estate, construction, infrastructure, or multi-sector project portfolios.
- Strong background in Primavera P6, MS Project, and planning software.
- Familiarity with cost planning, contracts (FIDIC), and project governance is an advantage.
- Experience working in or with family-owned businesses or private investment groups is preferred.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Opportunity to work directly with executive leadership in a strategic role
- Long-term role with high visibility across diversified group activities
- A stable, legacy-driven business environment focused on quality and results
Due to high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
