Senior Planning Manager

Senior Planning Manager – Drive Strategic Project Success in Construction

Are you a visionary leader with a proven track record in shaping high-impact project planning and execution? We are seeking an accomplished Senior Planning Manager to spearhead our planning initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), ensuring seamless project delivery, stakeholder alignment, and operational excellence. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the development of robust project programmes, foster a culture of accountability, and drive cross-functional collaboration to minimise risks while maximising efficiency.

As the strategic architect of our planning department, you will play a critical role in guiding our team toward achieving timelines, budgetary goals, and quality benchmarks. Your expertise will be instrumental in establishing best-in-class planning frameworks, leveraging cutting-edge tools, and nurturing a high-performing workforce. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on large-scale, high-profile projects—including mixed-use developments, residential complexes, and hospitality projects—while contributing to the growth of a dynamic organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Planning Leadership: Develop and implement best-practice planning methodologies tailored to the KSA market, ensuring alignment with global standards while addressing local regulatory and operational nuances.
• Project Programme Development: Lead the creation of comprehensive project programmes, from inception to execution, ensuring all phases—design, construction, and handover—are meticulously planned and monitored.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Present and defend project plans to key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal leadership, fostering transparency and trust.
• Team Empowerment: Mentor and motivate the planning team, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and continuous improvement.
• IT & Software Governance: Oversee the planning department’s technological infrastructure, ensuring the adoption of advanced tools and software to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Training & Development: Identify skill gaps within the team and recommend targeted training initiatives to upskill personnel, aligning their capabilities with evolving project demands.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential project risks and disputes, implementing proactive strategies to minimise claims and ensure smooth stakeholder relationships.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish and maintain a robust progress control system to track project milestones, resource allocation, and financial performance across all development phases.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Project Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline from a recognised university.
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in planning and project management, with a demonstrated history of progressive responsibility in the construction or development sector.
• Extensive industry experience (preferably 15+ years) in large-scale projects, including mixed-use developments, residential complexes, hotels, and villas, with a focus on delivering high-value outcomes.
• Proven expertise in KSA, including familiarity with local regulations, market dynamics, and stakeholder expectations—an asset but not mandatory.
• A track record of leading cross-functional teams, driving operational efficiency, and resolving complex project challenges with minimal disputes.

Preferred Attributes

While not mandatory, active membership in a professional institution (e.g., APM, RICS, or equivalent) will be viewed as a significant advantage, reflecting your commitment to industry best practices and continuous professional development.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of construction excellence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for strategic planning and team development, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.