Design Planning Manager % (m/f)

About ARX | Smart Minds

ARX | Smart Minds is a global network specializing in engineering, design, and architecture. The company provides 360° consulting, project management, and technical services across various sectors, including airports, bridges, buildings, digital innovation, environment, oil & gas, railways, roads, and water/wastewater treatment. With a global presence and a "glocal" approach, ARX integrates international best practices with local needs. ARX has expanded its operations into the Middle East, with offices in the UAE and KSA, strengthening its position in the GCC market.

The Role of Design Planning Manager

ARX is seeking a Design Planning Manager for its site office in Riyadh. This full-time role requires an individual with 5-10 years of experience who can translate an integrated design program into a clear representation of delivery performance. The ideal candidate will distinguish between reported activity and actual progress, challenge unrealistic sequencing, and help teams understand the implications of missed inputs. The role involves explaining complex scheduling issues and proposing practical recovery options supported by reliable evidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the integrated design master program using Primavera P6, including package breakdowns, review periods, and approval milestones.
• Establish baseline logic, dependencies, and progress measurement rules in collaboration with package managers and discipline leads.
• Track deliverable completion, earned value, and design productivity, validating reported progress against agreed evidence.
• Analyze critical and near-critical paths, available float, and forecast milestone dates, highlighting potential threats early.
• Coordinate design schedules with procurement and construction teams to ensure alignment of information release with downstream requirements.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports, dashboards, S-curves, and look-aheads detailing performance, constraints, and necessary decisions.
• Develop recovery programs and what-if scenarios, evaluating resequencing and resource options with the technical team.
• Maintain delay logs and planning narratives, and assess the schedule impact of design changes and risk events.
• Provide program evidence and analysis to support change and claims assessments in collaboration with commercial teams.
• Lead planning coordination meetings and track agreed corrective actions through subsequent program updates.

Candidate Profile and Experience

The successful candidate will have 5-10 years of experience in design planning and possess strong analytical judgment. This role requires the ability to clearly explain complex scheduling issues and propose practical recovery options based on reliable evidence. The Design Planning Manager will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient delivery of design programs.

Professional Growth and Environment

ARX offers an environment that fosters collaboration with a forward-thinking and innovative team. Employees gain exposure to projects that contribute to development in the Middle East and North African regions. The company supports personalized professional growth and developmental avenues aligned with individual career aspirations.