Planning Director

Job ID: 13888

Sector:

Projects

Location: NEOM, Saudi Arabia

OVERVIEW

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!

ROLE OVERVIEW

Responsible for leadership, direction, management and performance of the planning and scheduling of the central function team to deliver the program scope of work in alignment with NEOM Requirements, Processes and Systems, and ensure that established plans and procedures for planning and scheduling are implemented by the team.

REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

• Accountable to PMO Executive Director
• Responsible oversight of Planning and Schedule Management Function.
• Owner of the Planning and Schedule Management Plan (SMP).
• Develop, lead, and manage a team of Planning Engineers, Managers, Analysts, and other professionals, including defining and monitoring of KPIs to measure both the function and individual team members’ effectiveness.
• Develops and implements the scheduling business development plans and activities.
• Supports the project team and stakeholders with time management and control.
• Establishes criteria for schedule development (schedule detail, work breakdown structure [WBS], etc.).
• Leads the team in establishing schedule logic and constraints, realistic activity durations based on production rates and available manpower based on discussion with task owners and/or teams.
• Leads the teams in evaluating critical and near critical path activity sequences and assessing actual progress based on site inspections.
• Provide coaching and feedback to team members to help them improve their performance and achieve their goals.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture that values diversity and inclusion.
• Define and monitor KPIs to measure both the function and individual team members’ effectiveness.
• Reviews and approves earned value and performance measurement reports, resources (cost, labor, or material) to activities, cash flow reports, resource histograms, architect and contractor prepared schedules, post construction as-built schedules, etc.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The Planning Director responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Stakeholder Management

• Analyze stakeholders’ needs, interests, and influence to prioritize engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement plans tailored to different stakeholder groups.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication and meetings.
• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, addressing their concerns and providing updates on relevant activities.
• Manage the dissemination of information, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Work closely with internal teams, including communications, project management, and legal, to ensure stakeholder interests are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Identify and address potential conflicts or issues with stakeholders proactively.
• Mediate disputes or misunderstandings, ensuring that resolutions are in the best interest of both the stakeholders and the organization.

Change Management

• Stay informed about best practices in stakeholder management and apply them to enhance engagement strategies.
• Seek feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve the quality of engagement and communication.
• Promote transparency and accountability in all interactions with stakeholders.
• Identify potential risks associated with the change and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Develop a strategy that outlines the approach, resources and timelines for implementing the change.

Project Management

• Provide regular reports to senior management on stakeholder engagement status, risks, and opportunities.
• Use feedback and data to refine and improve stakeholder management strategies.
• Coordinate stakeholder involvement in projects, ensuring their feedback is integrated into planning and decision-making processes.
• Track and monitor stakeholder engagement activities and their impact on project outcomes.

Leadership

• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials tailored to stakeholder needs.
• Ensure that all stakeholder engagement activities comply with the relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• Utilize data analytics to drive strategies and decisions.

Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values.
• Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
• Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to NEOM’s Policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with rules.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 20+ years planning and controls experience within the construction industry.
• Mega project experience.
• Proven track record in a Head of Planning role within a Development organization.
• Client capacity.
• Excellent multi-disciplinary experience across design and construction.
• Strong mix of Corporate understanding / experience with major project delivery.
• Ability to deal with many stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent listener.
• Strong leader, Highly agile and adaptable.
• Attention to detail with strong organization skills.
• Hands on experience with various schedule management applications (P6 primavera/project).
• Understanding of commodity quantity unit rate analysis with respect to planning and forecasting.
• Implementation of Progress Measurement Systems for Engineering, Procurement, Construction.
• Team player with ability to lead a multinational, multi-dimensional organization.
• English proficiency.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Capital Construction Projects Planning.
• Minimum five (5) years planning experience in complex interface environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Project Management, or any related field.
• Where applicable, appropriate Industry Certification and/or experience.

NEOM is committed to attracting and retaining the highest caliber of employees to support NEOM’s vision, mission and strategy. NEOM sources the best candidates based on fit for the role and searches local and global markets to identify talent.

NEOM is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, disability, age, or any other form of discrimination/other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.

As part of our recruitment process, NEOM will undertake reference checks to confirm suitability for the role. All offers of employment are subject to references, evidence of all qualifications and awards, and other background checks being satisfactorily completed. Additionally, all offers are subject to the candidate being able to successfully obtain a work visa to enter and work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The employee may be required to perform additional job-related tasks and duties as assigned. To meet NEOM’s objectives and business needs, the work location is subject to change. Non office-based roles involve outdoor activities. Candidates should be prepared to work outdoors and on construction sites as part of their job responsibilities.

NEOM uses artificial intelligence as part of its recruitment process to assist and enhance efficiency. However, all final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters, ensuring that NEOM’s employment process remains fair and transparent.

The actions of our team should always support the NEOM Values

Learn more about NEOM’s Values