Job Purpose:
The Planning & Project Management Manager is responsible for overseeing project planning scheduling cost control and client relationship management for comapnys infrastructure civil engineering and oil & gas pipeline projects. This role ensures that all projects are planned and executed efficiently within budget and on schedule while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction. The Planning & Project Management Manager coordinates closely with the Operations department to align project execution with strategic objectives and operational capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project Planning and Scheduling:
Comprehensive Project Planning:
- Develop detailed project plans that outline timelines resources and milestones for infrastructure civil engineering and oil & gas projects.
- Ensure that project schedules are realistic and achievable aligning with both client requirements and internal capabilities.
- Implement advanced project management tools and techniques (e.g. critical path analysis resource leveling) to improve planning accuracy.
Resource Allocation:
- Coordinate with the Operations Manager to allocate resources (personnel equipment materials) effectively across all projects.
- Monitor resource usage to ensure that projects stay on track and within budget.
Project Schedule Optimization:
- Continuously review and optimize project schedules making adjustments as needed to accommodate changing conditions client requests or unforeseen delays.
- Ensure that all project activities are integrated and that dependencies between tasks are managed effectively.
2. Client Relationship and Stakeholder Management:
Client Engagement:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding project timelines deliverables and any issues that arise.
- Ensure clear and transparent communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle from planning to execution and completion.
- Manage client expectations and resolve any concerns or issues promptly to maintain high levels of client satisfaction.
Stakeholder Coordination:
- Facilitate communication between internal departments (Operations Finance Procurement) and external stakeholders (clients regulators subcontractors) to ensure alignment and transparency.
Customer Care:
- Oversee the Customer Care Lead to ensure that client feedback is gathered analyzed and incorporated into project planning and execution.
- Implement strategies to improve client satisfaction and enhance the overall customer experience.
3. Project Cost and Schedule Control:
Budget Development and Monitoring:
- Collaborate with the Finance department to develop accurate project budgets based on resource estimates and project plans.
- Implement robust cost control measures including regular cost reporting variance analysis and proactive cost optimization strategies.
- Ensure that projects stay within budget identifying cost-saving opportunities and addressing cost overruns promptly.
Schedule Control:
- Monitor project progress against established schedules and take corrective actions to prevent or mitigate delays.
- Ensure that any changes to the project scope are managed effectively through change control processes ensuring minimal impact on schedule and budget.
4. Leadership and Team Management:
Team Leadership:
- Lead and mentor the Planning & Project Management team including the Project Management Lead QS Lead and Customer Care Lead.
- Foster a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement within the department.
- Conduct regular team meetings to evaluate project progress address challenges and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Performance Management:
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the planning and project management team.
- Implement performance management systems to track the progress of individual projects and team members identifying areas for improvement and providing feedback.
5. Risk Management and Compliance:
Risk Identification and Mitigation:
- Identify potential risks related to project timelines budgets and resource availability and develop mitigation strategies.
- Ensure that all project risks are documented and addressed proactively to minimize their impact on project delivery.
Regulatory and Contractual Compliance:
- Ensure that all projects comply with local and international regulations as well as contractual obligations.
- Collaborate with the Procurement & Contracts department to ensure that contract terms are adhered to and that any contract changes are managed effectively.
6. Quality Control and Reporting:
Quality Assurance:
- Work closely with the QA/QC department to ensure that all projects meet the required standards of quality and safety.
- Implement quality control measures into the project planning process to ensure that designs materials and construction methods meet client expectations.
Reporting:
- Prepare and present weekly and monthly project reports to the Deputy General Manager on project status risks budget adherence and resource utilization.
- Develop and maintain project dashboards to provide visibility into project timelines milestones and KPIs.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Construction Management or a related field.
- Master s degree in Project Management or Business Administration (MBA) is a plus.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification is preferred.
Experience:
- 10 years of experience in project management or planning roles preferably within civil infrastructure oil & gas or construction sectors.
- Extensive experience managing large-scale projects with a focus on planning scheduling and cost control.
- Proven track record of managing client relationships and delivering projects on time and within budget.
Skills:
- Excellent project management skills including proficiency in project management software (e.g. Primavera MS Project).
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to manage relationships with clients subcontractors and internal teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage budgets track performance and optimize project costs.
- Ability to identify and mitigate project risks effectively.
Career Path and Development Opportunities:
Promotion Opportunities:
- Potential promotion to Deputy General Manager or other senior management roles.
- Opportunities to take on larger more complex projects or oversee project management functions across multiple regions.
Professional Development:
- Opportunities to participate in executive leadership programs and project management certifications (e.g. PMP PRINCE2).
- Attendance at industry conferences to stay current with the latest project management methodologies and best practices.