Planning Manager – MEP | Al-Futtaim Engineering & Al-Futtaim Contracting | Saudi Arabia

Job Overview

Al-Futtaim Engineering & Al-Futtaim Contracting is looking for an experienced Planning Manager – MEP to lead project planning and scheduling activities in Saudi Arabia. The position is responsible for developing project programmes, tracking progress, identifying potential delays, and supporting project teams in achieving key milestones.

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The Planning Manager will work closely with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, clients, main contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure MEP activities remain aligned with approved schedules and contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and maintain the MEP project baseline programme.
• Prepare engineering schedules and registers based on approved project timelines.
• Monitor engineering submissions and identify deviations from planned dates.
• Prepare short-term look-ahead schedules for engineering and project teams.
• Develop procurement schedules and maintain procurement tracking registers.
• Monitor purchasing activities and identify risks that could affect project delivery.
• Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and specialist subcontractors to support timely completion.
• Track overall project performance against the approved baseline schedule.
• Update Primavera P6 schedules and prepare regular project progress reports.
• Organize and support weekly planning and progress review meetings.
• Participate in meetings with clients and main contractors to discuss project performance.
• Forecast manpower and resource requirements based on project progress and upcoming activities.
• Monitor labour productivity and highlight resource shortages or productivity concerns.
• Develop detailed schedules for testing and commissioning activities.
• Establish commissioning sequences and ensure they are integrated into the overall project programme.
• Identify variations, delays, and other events that may affect project completion.
• Carry out delay analysis and maintain appropriate project records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with contractual notifications and Extension of Time (EOT) submissions.
• Ensure planning and project control activities remain consistent with contractual requirements and agreed project milestones.

Project Planning & Controls

The role requires strong project controls knowledge, with responsibility for monitoring schedule performance, quantities, costs, resources, and overall progress. The Planning Manager will help project leadership understand schedule risks and take timely corrective action where required.

Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), progress measurement, forecasting, and project reporting will be valuable in maintaining effective project controls.

Contract & Delay Management

The Planning Manager will support the project team in assessing variations and delay events and preparing appropriate documentation. This includes maintaining accurate records, conducting schedule analysis, and supporting Extension of Time (EOT) claims with suitable contractual and programme-based evidence.

A sound understanding of construction contracts, particularly FIDIC-based contracts, is important for this position.

Required Skills

Candidates should have:

• Strong knowledge of project planning and project controls.
• Advanced working knowledge of Primavera P6.
• Good understanding of MEP construction projects.
• Knowledge of construction contracts and FIDIC conditions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare professional technical reports and project correspondence.
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving schedule risks.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12–15 years of experience in planning and project controls.
• Significant experience working on MEP construction projects.
• Proven experience with Primavera P6 and project scheduling.
• Experience with delay analysis, project reporting, and EOT support is highly desirable.

Job Location

Saudi Arabia

Experience Required

12–15 years

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a Relevant Field

About the Role

This is a senior project planning opportunity for an experienced MEP professional who can combine technical knowledge with strong scheduling, coordination, and project control capabilities. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping project teams manage timelines, resources, procurement, engineering activities, and com