Senior Planning Engineer

Job Description

Reports To: Project Manager / Planning Manager

Job Purpose:

The Senior Planning Engineer is a key member of GEO's Project Controls team, responsible for developing, managing, and monitoring project schedules for a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects. The role supports the timely delivery of projects through expert planning, progress tracking, and proactive risk management, ensuring alignment with client expectations and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed baseline schedules for all project stages using Primavera P6 and/or MS Project.
• Prepare project-specific Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), resource-loaded programs, and procurement schedules.
• Align planning deliverables with project scope, budget, and contract milestones.

• Track and monitor site progress against the baseline schedule.
• Prepare weekly, biweekly, and monthly reports, S-curves, and progress dashboards.
• Identify schedule variances and recommend corrective actions to mitigate delays.

• Analyze contractors Extension of Time (EOT) claims and disruption/delay justifications.
• Conduct Time Impact Analysis (TIA) and prepare independent assessments of delays.
• Provide technical input and documentation for contractual dispute resolution if needed.

• Interface with contractors, clients, project managers, and consultants to coordinate planning deliverables.
• Attend site coordination and progress meetings, providing expert input on planning-related issues.
• Support cost control teams by integrating scheduling with budgeting and forecasting activities.

• Ensure adherence to local regulations, FIDIC contract requirements, and best industry practices.
• Maintain proper documentation and backup for all planning deliverables and reports.
• Support internal audits and contribute to continual improvement of planning processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in construction planning and project controls.
• At least 5 years of UAE experience with reputable engineering consultants or contractors.
• Expert-level proficiency in Primavera P6; good knowledge of MS Project and Excel.
• Solid understanding of FIDIC contracts, project life cycles, and construction methodologies.
• Experience with claims evaluation, forensic planning, and delay analysis is essential.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); Arabic is a plus.

Desired Attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Proactive, organized, and deadline-driven.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of Abu Dhabi local authority procedures (e.g., ADM, ADSSC).

Work Conditions:

• Full-time, based in Abu Dhabi.
• Primarily site-based with frequent coordination with head office teams.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required depending on project needs.