Planning Manager

Roles and responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies.
• Coordinate with various internal and external (consortium partners, clients, and consultants) stakeholders to ensure alignment of project timelines and milestones.
• Use project management software and tools to create and update schedules.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track project performance.
• Prepare regular status reports and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze project performance data to identify trends and potential issues.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor risk factors and adjust plans to minimize impact on project outcomes.
• Maintain a risk register and ensure proactive management of project risks.
• Act as a liaison between project teams, stakeholders, and clients.
• Facilitate regular meetings to discuss project status, issues, and changes.
• Ensure clear and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Continuously evaluate and improve planning and control processes.
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
  

What do I need to qualify for this job?

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or any related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar role in project planning and control within large-scale railway or infrastructure projects.
• Understand the financial principles and budget management.
• Familiarity with railway systems, infrastructure, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g. MS Project, Primavera).
• Proven track record of managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are advantageous.

Desired candidate profile

As a Planning and Control Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing project planning and performance monitoring, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and effectively. Here are key skills and qualifications essential for this role:

1. Project Management Expertise: Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2) to develop and manage project plans.

2. Scheduling Skills: Proficiency in project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) to create and maintain project timelines.

3. Resource Management: Ability to allocate resources effectively, balancing workload and ensuring optimal utilization.

4. Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills to assess project performance metrics and identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement.

5. Risk Management: Experience in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for reporting progress to stakeholders and facilitating collaboration among teams.

7. Problem-Solving: Ability to address issues that arise during project execution and develop practical solutions to keep projects on track.

8. Budget Management: Understanding of budgeting processes and cost control to ensure projects remain within financial limits.

9. Leadership Skills: Experience in leading cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and motivating team members.

10. Change Management: Ability to manage change effectively, ensuring that project adjustments are communicated and implemented smoothly.

11. Quality Control: Knowledge of quality management principles to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards.

12. Continuous Improvement: Commitment to implementing best practices and processes that enhance project planning and execution.