Lead Planning Engineer

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates We are seeking an exceptional Lead Planning Engineer to take a strategic role in the planning and delivery of large-scale, high-value construction and real estate developments in Dubai. This is an opportunity for a seasoned planning professional with a strong track record in major residential and luxury real estate projects to take ownership of project planning strategy, drive schedule performance, and provide high-level guidance to project teams and senior leadership. Working closely with Project Directors, senior management, and key stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring complex projects are delivered against ambitious timelines, while proactively managing critical risks, project dependencies, and schedule performance. Key Responsibilities Lead project planning and scheduling strategy across major construction projects, establishing robust planning frameworks, scheduling standards, and best practices. Oversee the development and management of comprehensive project schedules, from pre-construction and design development through procurement, construction, and final handover. Establish and manage baseline programmes, integrated master schedules, and resource-loaded schedules aligned with project objectives and contractual milestones. Drive critical path analysis, scenario planning, and schedule risk assessments to anticipate delays, evaluate mitigation strategies, and safeguard key project milestones. Monitor project performance against approved baselines, challenge progress assumptions, and hold project teams accountable for schedule commitments. Provide senior management with clear, data-driven insights into project progress, emerging risks, critical dependencies, and potential impacts on overall delivery. Lead the preparation and presentation of executive-level progress reports, planning dashboards, and schedule performance reviews. Work closely with Project Directors, construction teams, consultants, and contractors to resolve planning constraints and maintain alignment across project workstreams. Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies, reporting standards, and project controls processes. Mentor and provide technical guidance to planning engineers, promoting a high standard of planning excellence across project teams. Develop and support recovery and mitigation plans where project performance is behind schedule Conduct delay analysis and support the preparation of extension of time (EOT) claims Coordinate planning activities with Project Managers, Site Teams, Engineers, Contractors and other key stakeholders Review contractors’ and subcontractors’ programmes and assess compliance with contractual requirements Monitor key project milestones and ensure that planning data accurately reflects actual site progress Support project forecasting and provide management with recommendations to improve schedule performance and project delivery Provide planning insights and recommendations to support informed management decision-making Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field Minimum 10 years of experience as a Planning Engineer or Project Controls Engineer Proven experience working on large-scale construction projects Strong knowledge of project scheduling methodologies, critical path analysis and progress monitoring Experience with delay analysis, recovery planning and EOT claims Good understanding of project controls and the full construction project lifecycle Experience working with contractors and/or consultancy companies is highly preferred Strong analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills Ability to work effectively with senior management and multiple project stakeholders Professional working proficiency in English Benefits Competitive salary Official UAE employment status Comprehensive medical insurance coverage Opportunity to work on major construction projects in Dubai Direct collaboration with project management and senior leadership Working schedule 6 days per week from Monday to Saturday and Sunday is off.