Planning Director

Strategic Planning Leadership for Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

At Parsons, we empower visionaries to shape the future of infrastructure through innovative planning and strategic foresight. As our Planning Director, you will drive excellence in programme management, ensuring seamless execution of complex projects while fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and continuous improvement. This role is designed for a seasoned professional with a proven track record in leading high-impact infrastructure initiatives, where strategic planning and meticulous execution converge to deliver exceptional results.

In this pivotal position, you will serve as the architect of robust planning frameworks, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations, stakeholder expectations, and project milestones. Your leadership will be instrumental in navigating the intricacies of large-scale development, from initial conceptualization to final delivery, while upholding the highest standards of governance, compliance, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Your expertise will be critical in steering the following core functions:

• Strategic Programme Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive planning, scheduling, and programme control strategies tailored to the project’s unique demands. Establish industry-leading standards for reporting, governance, and stakeholder engagement to ensure transparency and accountability. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and FIDIC-appointed engineers, providing strategic insights to optimize programme performance and mitigate risks.
• Programme Controls & Compliance: Oversee the development, review, and assessment of baseline, revised, and recovery schedules to ensure adherence to contractual timelines and FIDIC procedures. Leverage advanced tools like Primavera P6 to monitor critical path dependencies, milestones, and float utilization, while identifying and addressing schedule risks proactively. Ensure full compliance with client requirements, contractual obligations, and industry best practices.
• Delay Analysis & Contract Administration: Conduct rigorous delay analyses, including Time Impact Analysis (TIA), Window Analysis, and As-Planned vs. As-Built assessments, to support fair and data-driven determinations. Review delay notices, Extension of Time (EOT) submissions, claims, and variations, providing expert recommendations to resolve disputes and optimize project timelines. Maintain meticulous, auditable records to support contractual decisions and mitigate disputes.
• Risk, Recovery & Change Management: Lead comprehensive schedule risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines. Facilitate recovery workshops to evaluate acceleration proposals and implement corrective measures. Assess the programme impacts of variations, change requests, and scope amendments, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present executive-level dashboards, weekly, and monthly reports that highlight programme performance, risks, and recommendations. Engage with senior stakeholders to communicate progress, challenges, and strategic insights, fostering collaboration and alignment. Coordinate programme interfaces with contractors, regulatory authorities, utilities, operators, and commissioning teams to ensure seamless integration and execution.
• Testing, Commissioning & Handover: Review and validate commissioning, testing, and handover programmes to ensure readiness for approvals, certification, and asset transfer. Monitor compliance with defects liability obligations and training requirements to facilitate a smooth transition to operations.

Qualifications & Expertise

To excel in this transformative role, you must bring a blend of technical acumen, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of infrastructure project dynamics. We are seeking a candidate with:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, or a related discipline, with a Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
• 20+ years of hands-on experience in planning and project controls, with 10+ years in senior leadership roles overseeing programme management.
• 5+ years of experience as a Planning Director or Head of Planning on large-scale infrastructure or mega projects, demonstrating a proven ability to drive complex programmes to successful completion.
• Extensive experience in the Middle East region, particularly Saudi Arabia, with a deep understanding of local regulatory, contractual, and operational environments.
• Expertise in FIDIC contract administration, including Red Book and Yellow Book compliance, and hands-on experience with EOT assessments and claims support.
• Proficient user of Primavera P6, with advanced skills in Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, schedule risk analysis, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Specialized knowledge in delay analysis techniques, including TIA, Window Analysis, and As-Planned vs. As-Built evaluations, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Strong proficiency in change control, programme governance, and stakeholder management to navigate dynamic project environments effectively.

While not mandatory, the following certifications are highly regarded: AACE, PMI, PMP, PSP, CCP, CEng, or equivalent professional credentials.

At Parsons, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce where every individual’s contributions are valued. We offer a dynamic, collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us in shaping the future of infrastructure—where your leadership will make a lasting impact. Imagine next.