Planning & Cost Lead

Job Overview

Advance your career by becoming a Planning & Cost Control Lead on a significant industrial development project located in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This role involves key leadership responsibilities in project controls, including planning, scheduling, cost management, forecasting, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee project planning, scheduling, and cost control functions.
• Establish and update systems, procedures, and reporting methods for project control.
• Track project advancement, evaluate cost performance, and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Compile and deliver weekly, monthly, and executive-level project reports.
• Lead forecasting efforts, benchmarking activities, and trend analyses.
• Conduct schedule and cost risk assessments and assist in contingency strategies.
• Collaborate with finance teams on cash flow management, budgeting, and cost reporting.
• Handle project change control and management of change processes thoroughly.
• Review and authorize contractor schedules, progress reports, and cost projections.
• Support project assurance processes and decision gate evaluations.
• Manage interfaces related to project controls with contractors and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement corrective measures and recovery plans for deviations in schedules and costs.
• Assist in project closeout procedures and document lessons learned.
• Lead and motivate the Project Services team to deliver excellence.
• Champion robust health, safety, and environmental (HSE) leadership and ensure strict compliance with project governance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in Planning, Scheduling, Cost Control, or Project Controls.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the Middle East, preferably in Saudi Arabia.
• Possession of PMP, APM, or an equivalent professional certification.
• Expertise in Primavera P6 scheduling software is essential.
• Strong skills in cost estimation, cost control, forecasting, and producing project reports.
• Demonstrated capability in managing planning activities for large capital projects or EPC ventures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project phases including FEED, Detailed Design, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and Startup.
• Experience in Critical Path Method analysis, trend and schedule risk analyses, and recovery planning.
• Proven leadership ability, effective stakeholder engagement, and contractor management skills.
• Background in metal processing, refining, petrochemical, or industrial projects is considered an advantage.
• Experience with international projects is beneficial.
• Preference for candidates who can start immediately.