Planning Manager

The Planning Manager will lead the end-to-end planning function for real estate development projects from concept through handover. This role is responsible for developing, monitoring, and controlling master programmes across design, authority approvals, procurement, construction, and handover stages, ensuring alignment with development strategy, timelines, and business objectives.

The role requires strong coordination with Design, Procurement, Commercial, and Construction teams, as well as consultants, contractors, and authorities to drive schedule certainty and proactive risk mitigation.

Programme Development & Control

· Develop and maintain integrated master programmes covering design, approvals, procurement, construction, and handover stages.

· Prepare pre-tender and post-tender programmes and review contractor schedules for alignment with development milestones.

· Ensure approved baselines are established and maintained across all project stages.

· Support recovery planning and scenario planning when required.

Design & Pre-Construction Planning

· Lead planning inputs during design development to ensure programme feasibility and proper sequencing.

· Interpret design, procurement, and construction sequences into practical and achievable schedules.

· Incorporate authority approval processes and statutory timelines into project programmes.

Monitoring, Reporting & Analysis

· Monitor project progress against baseline programmes and identify risks or delays.

· Conduct critical path and delay analysis with mitigation strategies.

· Analyze project data to forecast potential impacts on timelines and resources.

· Prepare progress reports, dashboards, and schedule presentations for senior management.

Stakeholder Coordination & Reviews

· Coordinate with Design, Commercial, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure programme alignment.

· Conduct regular programme review meetings with consultants and contractors.

· Ensure alignment of consultant and contractor programmes with development objectives.

Planning Standards & Governance

· Ensure consistent planning standards, methodologies, and reporting formats across projects.

· Maintain planning documentation and records in line with company and project requirements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related discipline.
  
• 7–10 years of experience in project planning within real estate development, consultancy, or contractor environment, with exposure to developer-side planning.
  
• Strong understanding of UAE authority approval processes and development timelines.
  
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and complex schedules simultaneously.
  
• Proven ability to interpret design, procurement, and construction sequences into practical programmes.
  
• High attention to detail with strong organizational capability.