Senior Corporate Planning Manager

Job description / Role

The Senior Planning Manager is responsible for comprehensively understanding project requirements and objectives. Based on an overall assessment of team capabilities, resource allocation, and risk factors, the role involves developing detailed and integrated project plans. These plans must be executable, well-structured, and flexible, ensuring they effectively support the needs of each project phase. The position typically oversees and coordinates the planning of 6-7 projects simultaneously at the corporate headquarters level.

Resource Coordination and Management
• Work closely with project management teams to allocate, coordinate, and adjust resources in line with project plans and evolving requirements. Ensure that team members clearly understand their responsibilities and are able to execute assigned tasks efficiently across multiple projects.

Risk Management
• Identify potential project risks, assess their potential impact on schedule, cost, and delivery, and develop appropriate mitigation and response measures. Continuously monitor project progress and risk status, and proactively adjust plans to address emerging or unforeseen issues.

Project Progress Monitoring
• Regularly track and monitor project progress to ensure alignment with approved plans. Prepare detailed progress reports and provide timely updates to relevant stakeholders. Promptly identify delays or issues and coordinate corrective actions to maintain overall project timelines.

Communication and Coordination
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external project stakeholders. Ensure all parties have a clear and consistent understanding of project objectives, requirements, and progress. Coordinate cross-functional and cross-project resources from a headquarters perspective to support smooth project execution.

Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare comprehensive project reports summarizing progress, outcomes, and key issues. Conduct in-depth analysis of project data to support management decision-making and continuous improvement of project planning and execution.

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in project planning, scheduling, or project controls within the construction or engineering industry.
• Proven experience in comprehensive building projects, including residential villas, high-rise buildings, and mixed-use developments.
• Experience coordinating and monitoring multiple projects simultaneously, preferably from a corporate or head office planning function.
• Strong capability in developing and maintaining integrated project schedules, considering resource allocation, sequencing, and key risk factors.
• Solid understanding of project lifecycle management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and adjustment phases.
• Demonstrated experience in resource coordination, working closely with project managers, site teams, and functional departments to support project delivery.
• Strong risk awareness, with the ability to identify potential schedule and execution risks and propose effective mitigation measures.
• Excellent data analysis and reporting skills, capable of preparing clear progress reports and management-level summaries to support decision-making.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders.
• Proficient in common project planning and scheduling tools (e.g. Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent).
• Good command of English, both written and spoken; overseas or multinational project experience is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage priorities across multiple projects, and maintain a high level of accuracy and accountability.

About the Company

A leading company in UAE.