Planning Manager

Location: BaghdadEmployment Type: Full-timeOpen to: Locals onlyRole SummaryOwn the end-to-end project planning starting from contract signing through customer handover. Translate contracts into executable master schedules, align materials and workforce, and provide a single source for milestones, risks, and progress in order to execute projects on time, and on budget. Acts as the focal point between sales, sales support, installation, maintenance, and technical & spare parts departments.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain the integrated portfolio plan from contract award to handover; prepare projects budgets, set schedules, milestones, inter-project dependencies, and resource allocation in coordination with Installation departmentLead and develop Project Engineers; hire, onboard, coach, and manage their performanceAllocate projects to Project Engineers and ensure effective capacity planning (teams/subcontractors) in coordination with Operation and People & culture departmentsDrive materials planning (long forecasts, purchase timing, expected delivery schedules) with the sales support team; ensure Project Engineers anticipate and manage material risks proactivelyEnsure establishing projects controls in coordination with other related functions and issuing early-warning dashboardsMonitor projects progress and coordinate prevention/recovery scenarios and adjusting plans to ensure delivery within deadlinesFacilitate regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions with stakeholdersPrepare and present projects reports to management, highlighting key metrics, milestones, and issuesRun identifying projects' potential risks with Project Engineers and developing mitigation strategies to eliminate/minimize impact on project timelines and deliveryEnsure Project Engineers communicate clearly and consistently with customers and their representatives, including site engineers, contractors, and others, regarding the working methodology, project timelines, and site requirementsEnsure Project Engineers update all customers regularly by sending them projects progress reportReview and approve purchase requests submitted by Installation Supervisors related to site-specific needs, such as steel structure, concrete demolition labor, and material transportation equipment, ensuring alignment with project plans and budgets before forwarding them to FinanceCoordinate regularly with the Technical Manager to develop the department's staff both technically and procedurallyQualifications (Minimum)Education: Bachelor's in mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent); Master Degree is a plusExperience: 5 years of relevant experience preferrable in elevators/escalators or construction businesses, with the last 2 years in a supervisory/managerial positionProject Management: Multi-site installation portfoliosSoftware: MS Project, Excel & Word, and ability to read AutoCADLanguage: Able to read, write, and speak in English, and read and understand technical documents. Proficiency in Arabic language is a mustCompetencies: Strong Leadership and communication skills, effective problem-solving and decision-making, analytical thinking, team player, high learning aptitude with growth mindset, proactive thinking, adaptability, and quality/customer-focused, highly organized and thoroughly documentedWork ContactsInternal: Sales, Sales Support, Quality Control & Safety, Installation Manager, Maintenance Manager, Technical & Spare parts ManagerExternal: Customers/Owners' reps, Installation Contractors, & the FranchisorWorking ConditionsOffice-based, normal working hours; occasional traveling and site visits may be required; Frequent work outside normal hours may be required.