Planning Manager

Roles and responsibilities

experience, with at least 5 years in large solar power plants, preferably in harsh desert operating environment Strong working knowledge of electrical engineering/technical practices related to Photovoltaic systems. Experience in conducting Failure Mode/Effect and root cause analysis. Experience with SAP based CMMS. Competent with Reliability tools such as ACA, RCA, RCM, FMEA techniques. Familiar with SAP Plant Management module. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Teamwork and collaborative work approach
Project Scheduling & Planning:

Expertise in developing comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and milestones, for complex projects in industries such as construction, engineering, oil & gas, or infrastructure.
Proficiency in critical path method (CPM), resource leveling, Gantt charts, and other planning techniques to ensure project goals are achieved within set timelines and budgets.
Ability to work with project managers and teams to create detailed project schedules that reflect all tasks, dependencies, and resources.
Project Risk Management:

Deep understanding of risk management processes, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and contingency planning.
Proficient in using risk analysis tools to forecast potential risks and issues during the project lifecycle, and preparing strategies to address them.
Ability to evaluate project risks such as cost overruns, delays, resource shortages, and environmental or regulatory challenges.
Project Budgeting & Cost Control:

Expertise in cost estimation and budget planning at the project level, ensuring all aspects of the project are accounted for and that the budget aligns with business and financial goals.
Familiarity with cost tracking systems and ability to implement financial controls to keep projects on budget.
Ability to identify areas of potential cost savings and ensure that financial targets are met throughout the project lifecycle.
Resource Management & Optimization:

Skilled in resource planning, ensuring optimal allocation of labor, equipment, and materials for projects.
Ability to balance resource needs across multiple projects and ensure that resources are efficiently utilized without overburdening teams.
Experience with resource leveling and ensuring that resource allocation is aligned with project priorities.
Leadership & Team Management:
Team Leadership & Development:

Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of planners, schedulers, and other project management professionals.
Ability to create a collaborative environment, fostering teamwork and effective communication across various project stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and senior management.
Strong leadership skills to guide team members through complex planning processes and ensure that high-performance standards are maintained.
Cross-functional Collaboration:

Effective at working with different departments such as project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and finance to integrate planning activities across the entire project lifecycle.
Ability to communicate project plans and strategies to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and objectives.

Desired candidate profile

Planning & Scheduling Software:

Expertise in using industry-standard planning tools and project management software, such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asta Powerproject, and Deltek.
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and integrating planning data with financial and procurement systems.
Proficient in data visualization and reporting tools, creating dashboards and performance reports that provide clear and actionable insights.
Automation & Process Improvement:

Ability to identify opportunities for process automation to improve planning efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance project outcomes.
Experience in applying Lean or Agile methodologies to improve project workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.
Communication & Decision-Making:
Effective Communication:

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex planning concepts to diverse audiences.
Ability to communicate project objectives, timelines, and expectations to all team members and stakeholders.
Skilled in conducting meetings, facilitating discussions, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project goals.
Problem Solving & Decision Making:

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of making quick, informed decisions to overcome obstacles and challenges during the planning and execution stages.
Ability to assess situations holistically, identify root causes, and propose solutions that support project success.
Experience managing projects in industries such as construction, engineering, oil & gas, infrastructure development, or manufacturing.
Proven experience in managing complex, multi-phase projects with tight schedules, high budgets, and significant resource demands.
Strong understanding of project control systems, including time management, cost control, and quality assurance.