Senior Planner

About the Role

WSP is seeking a Senior Planner to join a major roads and highways construction project in Riyadh. This full-time role involves leading planning and scheduling activities, collaborating with project managers and engineers, and developing comprehensive project plans. The Senior Planner will establish timelines, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure successful project outcomes. This position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in project planning and scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of project plans, including scope definition, work breakdown structure, schedule, and resource allocation, in collaboration with project teams.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using project management software, ensuring alignment with project objectives and milestones.
• Coordinate with resource managers to allocate resources effectively and optimize resource utilization across multiple projects.
• Identify potential risks and constraints that may impact project timelines or budgets, and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
• Monitor project progress against established schedules and milestones, and proactively identify and address deviations or delays.
• Communicate project status, risks, and issues to project teams, stakeholders, and senior management through regular reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather input, resolve conflicts, and ensure alignment of project plans with organizational goals.
• Ensure that project plans adhere to quality standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, tools, and methodologies, and lead initiatives to implement enhancements.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to junior planners to support their professional development and ensure consistency in planning practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, project management, construction management, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 20+ years of experience in project planning and scheduling, with demonstrated progression to senior roles.
• Experience working on similar roads and highways construction projects.
• Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools.
• Certification in project management (*, PMP, PRINCE2) is desirable.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex project requirements and constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and drive results in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of project management best practices, methodologies, and tools.
• Familiarity with industry-specific regulations, standards, and practices related to project planning and scheduling.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of project management.

Work Environment

This role is based in Riyadh and is a full-time position within a major roads and highways construction project. As a senior team member, you will also mentor junior planners and contribute to process improvements.