Senior Planning Lead for Towers

UpNext UAE (On behalf of a Leading Construction Firm) • Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Clean Professional Job Summary

This Senior Planning Lead position is a high-level strategic role designed for a veteran of the UAE’s high-rise construction sector. Representing a premier Tier-1 construction firm, the successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end planning and project control functions for iconic, large-scale developments, specifically high-rise towers and luxury hotels .

The mandate involves more than just scheduling; it requires a “Project Scientist” capable of performing deep critical path analysis, risk mitigation, and resource optimization. The Lead will oversee the entire project lifecycle—from pre-construction phasing to final handover—ensuring that multi-billion dirham assets are delivered with surgical precision and in full alignment with the fast-paced delivery standards of the Dubai skyline.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Planning Lead operates at the intersection of engineering logic and commercial strategy:

Strategic Schedule Management: Develop and maintain integrated master schedules for complex tower projects using Primavera P6 , ensuring all milestones are logically linked and achievable.
Critical Path Analysis: Perform rigorous “What-If” scenarios and critical path method (CPM) analysis to identify potential bottlenecks before they impact the construction timeline.
Progress Monitoring & Reporting: Establish robust project control systems to monitor site progress, comparing actual performance against baseline targets and producing executive-level dashboards.
Resource Leveling: Optimize the deployment of manpower, machinery, and materials across vertical construction cycles to prevent surges and idling.
Claims & Delay Analysis: Lead the forensic analysis of delays, providing technical substantiation for Extension of Time (EoT) claims and supporting the commercial team in dispute resolution.
Stakeholder Coordination: Interface with Project Managers, Consultants, and Clients to ensure planning transparency and proactive risk management throughout the project.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Academic Foundation: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture from a recognized university.
Professional Tenure: Minimum of 16+ years of experience in the construction industry, with a heavy emphasis on high-rise residential or commercial towers and hospitality projects.
Regional Expertise: Extensive experience specifically within the UAE construction market is mandatory to navigate local supply chains and regulatory cycles.
Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Primavera P6 and MS Project .
Analytical Prowess: Advanced skills in critical analysis, earned value management (EVM), and project forecasting.
Leadership: Proven ability to manage a team of Planning Engineers and interact effectively with senior executive leadership.

About the Company: UpNext UAE

UpNext UAE is a specialized recruitment partner for the Middle East’s most ambitious infrastructure and construction projects. Our client—a household name in Dubai’s construction landscape—is responsible for some of the city’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Known for engineering excellence and a culture of “Safety and Speed,” the firm offers a high-performance environment where technical innovation in construction methodology is actively encouraged.

Market & Industry Context: Vertical Construction in 2026

In 2026, Dubai’s construction sector has transitioned from “Traditional Build” to “Smart, Data-Driven Construction.” The role of a Planning Lead now involves integrating BIM (Building Information Modeling) into the 4D and 5D scheduling process. With Dubai’s focus on sustainability, planning managers are also expected to optimize schedules for carbon-neutral material deliveries and “Green Construction” site practices. This role is the “Nervous System” of a tower project, ensuring that in an era of rising material costs, every hour on-site is utilized to its maximum efficiency.

Career Growth & Progression Path

A Senior Planning Lead at this level is positioned for the highest tiers of project leadership:

Project Controls Director: Overseeing the planning and cost functions across an entire portfolio of regional projects.
Operations Manager / Project Director: Leveraging deep planning knowledge to move into full-scale operational leadership of major developments.
Regional Strategic Planning Lead: Transitioning into a corporate role focused on long-term resource planning and pre-qualification for mega-projects.
Construction Consultant (Forensic Planning): Moving into a specialized advisory role focused on international arbitration and high-stakes delay claims.

Interview Preparation Insights

Given the seniority of the role, the interview will focus on high-level logic and historical performance:

The “Tower” Specifics: Be prepared to discuss the complexities of vertical logistics—concrete pumping heights, crane cycles, and facade installation overlap.
Forensic Capability: Describe a time you successfully defended or refuted a major delay claim using Primavera P6 forensics.
Software Deep-Dive: You may be asked how you handle “Resource Leveling” across multiple tower projects sharing the same equipment or specialized labor pool.
Crisis Management: How do you re-baseline a schedule after a significant, unforeseen delay (eg, global supply chain disruption) without extending the final completion date?

Estimated Salary Insight

Market Estimate Based on Similar Roles: AED 45,000 – AED 70,000 per month (Tax-Free). Note: For a candidate with 16+ years of UAE experience, the total package typically includes a substantial base salary plus housing, transportation, and school fee allowances, along with performance-based bonuses tied to project completion milestones.

Work Environment & Location Insights

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The role is primarily office-based in a corporate setting, but requires frequent site visits to some of the most prominent Czones in the city (eg, Dubai Creek Harbour, Business Bay, or Palm Jumeirah ). The work culture is intense and deadline-driven, following the UAE’s standard Monday-Friday work week, although flexibility is often required to meet critical project submission deadlines.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

Our client is an equal-opportunity employer that values technical excellence and diversity. Selection is based strictly on a proven track record of delivering high-rise towers in the UAE market. All shortlisted candidates must undergo a thorough background check and medical screening as per UAE labor regulations.

Advanced Core Summary: Senior Planning Lead for Towers

Category	Details & Key Data
Organization	UpNext UAE (on behalf of a Leading Construction Firm)
Location	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Experience Req.	16+ Years (UAE Construction Industry)
Education	Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture
Specialization	High-Rise Towers and Luxury Hotels
Core Software	Primavera P6 (Expert) and MS Project
Reference ID	#J-18808-Ljbffr

Strategic Planning & Project Control Functions

Project Lifecycle Oversight: Leading the end-to-end planning functions for high-complexity vertical structures, ensuring alignment from groundbreaking to handover.
Schedule Management: Developing and maintaining detailed Baseline Programs using Primavera P6 , incorporating critical path method (CPM) analysis.
Critical Analysis: Performing rigorous delay analysis (EOT), forensic planning, and productivity assessments to mitigate project risks.
Resource Optimization: Monitoring manpower and equipment histograms to ensure optimal deployment across multi-site tower projects.
Progress Reporting: Implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) and S-Curve tracking to provide executive-level insights into project health.

Leadership & Technical Governance

Strategic Leadership: Driving the project control department to meet stringent milestones and commercial objectives for iconic Dubai developments.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Bridging the gap between design, procurement, and site execution teams to ensure a synchronized workflow.
Contractual Compliance: Ensuring all planning activities adhere to FIDIC or bespoke local contract conditions prevalent in the UAE market.
Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential bottlenecks in the construction of towers (eg, vertical transportation, core-wall cycles) and implementing recovery plans.

Candidate Requirements & Core Competencies

Regional Mastery: 16+ years of specialized experience within the UAE, demonstrating deep knowledge of local permitting, sub-contractor landscapes, and climate-related planning constraints.
Technical Pedigree: Advanced proficiency in high-rise construction methodologies, including slip-form/jump-form systems and complex MEP integration.
Analytical Precision: Ability to translate complex site data into actionable strategic reports for stakeholders and developers.
Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for negotiating milestones with consultants and government authorities.

Professional Impact & Environment

Iconic Portfolio: Opportunity to lead planning for Dubai’s world-renowned skyline, specifically focusing on the towers and hospitality sectors.
High-Stakes Delivery: Managing the “Critical Path” of multi-billion AED investments where time-to-market is a primary success metric.

To apply for this job please visit upnext.ae.