Planning Engineer

Position Overview

Orient Castle Contracting Company is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Planning Engineer to join our dynamic team in Al Wajh, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will possess 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in construction, fit-out, and infrastructure projects, with a proven track record in project planning, scheduling, and execution. This role is pivotal in ensuring the timely delivery of projects while maintaining strict adherence to contractual obligations, company standards, and project specifications. The Planning Engineer will play a critical role in monitoring project performance, identifying potential risks and delays, and developing strategic recovery plans to mitigate disruptions and ensure seamless project progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Scheduling and Planning: Develop, update, and maintain detailed project schedules using advanced tools such as Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Ensure all schedules are aligned with project milestones, contractual requirements, and company objectives.
• Progress Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor project progress, comparing actual performance against the approved baseline schedule. Prepare accurate weekly and monthly progress reports, look-ahead schedules, and management dashboards to provide stakeholders with real-time project insights.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate closely with project managers, site engineers, procurement teams, and subcontractors to ensure the timely execution of all project activities. Facilitate seamless communication and alignment among multidisciplinary teams to optimize project workflows.
• Cost Control and Resource Management: Work in conjunction with the Cost Control Department to monitor project costs, prepare cash flow forecasts, and ensure alignment with the approved project budget. Analyze resource utilization, productivity rates, and project performance indicators to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Proactively track critical activities and identify potential delays that may impact project milestones or completion dates. Develop and implement recovery schedules and mitigation plans to address delays and maintain contractual commitments.
• Critical Path Analysis: Conduct comprehensive critical path analysis to evaluate project performance and provide data-driven recommendations for optimizing project timelines and resource allocation.
• Contractual Compliance and Documentation: Assist in the preparation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, delay analyses, and supporting documentation as required. Maintain accurate project records, planning documentation, and contractual correspondence to ensure compliance with company procedures and project specifications.
• Stakeholder Communication: Participate in project meetings and provide strategic planning updates and recommendations to senior management. Ensure all stakeholders are informed of project status, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Required Skills & Expertise

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and other project planning and scheduling tools. Strong understanding of project planning and scheduling techniques, including Critical Path Method (CPM).
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of construction and infrastructure projects, with hands-on experience in fit-out and civil/architectural construction. Familiarity with Saudi construction practices, project execution requirements, and contract administration.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional analytical abilities to interpret engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), specifications, and project documentation. Strong problem-solving skills to identify risks, assess impacts, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Communication and Coordination: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English. Ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and senior management to ensure project alignment and success.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage planning activities for multiple projects simultaneously while working under pressure. Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of project controls, progress monitoring, and reporting. Experience in delay analysis, risk management, and the preparation of contractual claims and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in project planning and scheduling within construction companies, with a focus on infrastructure, fit-out, and civil/architectural projects.
• Proven track record in project execution, coordination, and delivery, with experience in managing planning activities for large-scale projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and project control methodologies, including experience in delay analysis, EOT claims, and recovery schedules.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi construction practices, project execution requirements, and contract administration.

Location

This position is based in Al Wajh, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in or relocate to the specified location to fulfill the role effectively.