Planning and Project Control Head

Job Description : Head of Planning & Project Controls UAE a prominent main contractor specialising in large-scale infrastructure and oil & gas projects. The Role The Project Controls Director will lead and manage the project controls function across major infrastructure and oil & gas projects in the UAE. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing and implementing best-in-class project controls systems, ensuring accurate planning, cost management, scheduling, risk analysis, and reporting to drive successful project delivery in alignment with corporate and client objectives. Key Responsibilities Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of project controls systems, processes, and procedures across all projects. Oversee integrated project schedules, budgets, forecasts, cash flows, and cost control mechanisms. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project performance, including earned value analysis, key performance indicators (KPIs), and progress updates to senior management and clients. Develop and enforce standardized project controls governance to ensure consistency across infrastructure and oil & gas portfolios. Manage and mentor a team of planning engineers, cost controllers, risk analysts, and document controllers. Provide strategic advice to project directors and executive leadership on cost trends, schedule risks, and mitigation strategies. Coordinate with project management, commercial, procurement, engineering, and construction teams to support timely and on-budget delivery. Lead risk management activities, including risk identification, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and implementation of mitigation plans. Support tendering and pre-contract phases with detailed planning and cost estimation inputs. Establish project controls training programs and promote a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage). Minimum 20 years of experience in project controls, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership or director-level role within the infrastructure and oil & gas sectors. Proven track record of managing complex, large-scale EPC or infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Expert knowledge of project controls software (Primavera P6, Oracle ERP, SAP, Prism, or similar). Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. In-depth understanding of project lifecycle processes, contracts, cost control, and risk management frameworks.

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