Planning Manager

Job description / Role

Job description

AtkinsRu00e9alis is looking for a Planning Manager in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

About AtkinsRu00e9alis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRu00e9alis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory and environmental services, intelligent networks and cybersecurity, design and engineering, procurement, project and construction management, operations and maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as engineering services, nuclear and capital.

Role overview

AtkinsRu00e9alis is seeking a Planning Manager to lead the programme planning and scheduling function for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project - Phase 1. Reporting to the Project Controls Director, the Planning Manager will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the master schedule, ensuring alignment with contractual milestones, stakeholder interfaces, and programme governance.

This role requires deep expertise in Primavera P6 and TILOS, and a strong understanding of Critical Path Method (CPM), Earned Value Management (EVM), and UAE infrastructure delivery frameworks. The Planning Manager will play a key role in integrating inputs from design, construction, systems, and stakeholder teams into a coherent and dynamic programme.

Key requirements and accountabilities

Sector experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in planning and scheduling for large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably high-speed rail (HSR) above 250 km/h.
• Proven track record in managing complex, multi-package programmes using Primavera P6 and TILOS.
• Familiarity with UAE regulatory frameworks, FIDIC contracts, and rail standards.

Programme development and maintenance

• Develop and maintain the Baseline Programme (Level 3) in Primavera P6, including all stages of design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Prepare and update the Time-Chainage Diagram using TILOS software, ensuring alignment with construction methodology and resource assumptions.
• Ensure logical sequencing, float management, and interface coordination across packages and disciplines.

Programme basis memorandum (PBM)

Support the development of the PBM, including:

• Critical path analysis
• Interface dependencies
• Construction methodology
• Long-lead items
• Resource histograms
• Calendar and working hour assumptions

Programme updates and reporting

• Lead weekly and monthly programme updates, ensuring alignment with site conditions and stakeholder inputs.
• Produce Programme Analysis Reports, including:
• Delay analysis and mitigation strategies
• Earned value metrics
• Activity status and float analysis
• Critical path and milestone tracking

Interface and coordination

• Coordinate with the Interface Manager to ensure programme reflects all internal and external dependencies.
• Integrate inputs from contractors, consultants, and stakeholders into the master schedule.
• Support resolution of interface-related delays and risks.

Compliance and governance

• Ensure all programme activities comply with contract requirements, including:
• No use of negative lags or hard constraints
• Activity durations capped at 25 calendar days unless approved
• Resource-loaded schedules with cost account coding
• Linkage of DSR items to programme activities

Collaboration and support

• Work closely with the Risk Manager to ensure programme reflects risk allowances and mitigation strategies.
• Support the Commercial Department and Project Controls Director in preparing and substantiating Extension of Time (EOT) claims.
• Provide planning input for executive-level presentations and strategic dashboards.

Tools and systems

• Ensure full implementation and usage of:
• Primavera P6
• TILOS
• Web-based project management tools for real-time reporting and collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field (master's or chartered status preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in planning and scheduling, with at least 5 years in rail infrastructure.
• Expert-level proficiency in Primavera P6 and TILOS.
• Strong understanding of CPM, EVM, and interface management.

Why choose AtkinsRu00e9alis?

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Paid annual leave.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation and housing allowances.
• Employee wellbeing program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRu00e9alis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applicants equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

Worker type

Employee

Job type

Regular

At AtkinsRu00e9alis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.