Planning Manager

Position: Planning Manager – Design & ProjectsLocation: United Arab Emirates Department: Development Reports to: Senior Design ManagerRole Overview:The Planning Manager will be responsible for overseeing all project planning, scheduling, and design coordination activities across multiple real estate development projects from concept design through to construction and handover. The role ensures projects progress in line with strategic objectives, design intent, authority approvals, and delivery timelines.Key Responsibilities:Develop, implement, and maintain master development schedules covering design, procurement, construction, and handover stages.Coordinate with design consultants, project managers, and internal development teams to align design milestones with overall project delivery plans.Review and monitor design programs to ensure timely completion of concept, schematic, detailed design, and tender documentation.Integrate design and technical deliverables within project schedules, ensuring synchronization with procurement and construction activities.Prepare project phasing, sequencing, and critical path analysis using Primavera P6 and/or MS Project.Conduct periodic schedule reviews, risk assessments, and time impact analysis (TIA) to identify potential delays and propose corrective actions.Support tender and contract preparation by providing project timeline inputs and deliverable schedules.Ensure schedule alignment with authority approval processes (e.g., ADM, Estidama, Civil Defense, ADDC, etc.).Collaborate with cost control and commercial teams to track progress against budgets and milestones.Prepare and present weekly and monthly progress reports for senior management and stakeholders.Lead schedule-related coordination meetings and maintain consistent communication across internal and external teams.Qualifications & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management; Master’s degree preferred.10+ years of experience in project planning and design coordination within real estate development, consultancies in UAEProven track record managing mixed-use, residential, commercial projects.Proficient in Primavera P6, MS Project, and project control/reporting tools.Strong understanding of design processes, documentation stages, and authority submission cycles in the UAE.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Experience in developer-side environments preferred.Preferred Skills:Experience integrating design and construction planning in a developer-led setting.Knowledge of EVM (Earned Value Management) and KPI-based performance tracking.Familiarity with sustainability and smart community development standards (Estidama, LEED).