At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose:

The Planning Manager will play a key role in driving planning, scheduling and project controls activities across Arada Development’s projects in Syria. The role will be responsible for establishing and managing effective planning and reporting frameworks across the pre- and post-contract phases, ensuring project programmes are realistic, integrated and aligned with overall development objectives.

Working closely with Development, Design, Commercial, Procurement, consultants and contractors, the Planning Manager will monitor project performance, identify programme risks and delays, assess critical paths and provide timely recommendations to senior management. The role will also provide oversight on baseline and recovery programmes, procurement interfaces, progress reporting and Extension of Time (EOT) matters.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Programme Management

• Lead the development, review and management of integrated master programmes across projects and development packages.

• Establish planning and progress-monitoring systems aligned with project milestones, deliverables and key development objectives.

• Review, challenge and approve baseline programmes, updated programmes and recovery programmes submitted by consultants and contractors.

• Conduct programme review workshops with consultants and contractors to validate sequencing, logic, resources, milestones and key interfaces.

• Ensure programmes are properly integrated across design, procurement, construction and handover activities.

• Monitor critical and near-critical paths and proactively identify potential delays and programme risks.

Progress Monitoring & Reporting

• Establish robust progress measurement and reporting mechanisms across projects.

• Monitor actual progress against approved programmes and identify variances, delays and areas requiring intervention.

• Prepare and issue bi-weekly and monthly planning reports and dashboards covering programme performance, KPIs, risks, delays and mitigation actions.

• Provide clear analysis and recommendations to the Development leadership team to support timely decision-making.

• Maintain accurate project planning data and ensure reporting is consistent across consultants and contractors.

Delay, EOT & Claims Management

• Review and analyse delay events, programme impacts and critical path movements.

• Assess EOT submissions and provide planning and programme analysis to support the Development and Commercial teams.

• Guide consultants and contractors in the preparation of delay notifications, EOT submissions, recovery programmes and mitigation strategies.

• Review delay analysis methodologies and ensure claims are supported by appropriate programme records and contemporaneous evidence.

• Identify potential claims and programme risks at an early stage and recommend mitigation measures.

Procurement & Design Interface

• Maintain and monitor procurement and package trackers to ensure key procurement milestones are aligned with project programmes.

• Coordinate with Design and Commercial teams to track design deliverables, tender documentation, package issuance, tendering and awards.

• Monitor procurement interfaces and identify potential impacts on project timelines.

• Ensure key design, procurement and construction milestones are incorporated into the overall project programme.

Consultant & Contractor Management

• Manage and provide planning direction to consultant planners and contractor planning teams.

• Establish clear planning KPIs, reporting requirements and deliverables.

• Review planning submissions and ensure timely and accurate delivery of programmes, reports and updates.

• Challenge programme assumptions and ensure consultants and contractors maintain realistic and achievable schedules.

• Facilitate regular planning and progress meetings with key project stakeholders.

Risk & Project Controls

• Identify programme risks, constraints, dependencies and potential impacts on project delivery.

• Develop and monitor mitigation and recovery strategies in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

• Support the Development team with scenario planning and schedule impact assessments.

• Ensure project controls and planning processes are consistently applied across the portfolio.

• Provide management with early visibility of programme issues requiring escalation or intervention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline.

• Advanced certification or professional qualification in project planning/project controls is preferred.

• Advanced expertise in Primavera P6 is essential.

• Professional certification such as PMP, AACE, PMI-SP or equivalent would be an advantage.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10–12 years of experience in planning, scheduling and project controls within large-scale construction and real estate developments.

• Experience across master community, residential, mixed-use or large-scale development projects is highly preferred.

• Proven experience managing planning activities across both pre-contract and post-contract phases.

• Strong experience working with consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary development teams.

• Demonstrated experience in baseline programme review, recovery planning, critical path analysis, delay analysis and EOT management.

• Experience managing multiple projects, packages or workstreams simultaneously.

• Regional or international experience within the Middle East is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and project controls systems.

• Strong knowledge of project planning, scheduling, progress measurement and reporting methodologies.

• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel and Power BI.

• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, project lifecycles and development interfaces.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Strong understanding of EOT, delay analysis and claims management.

• Ability to interpret complex project data and translate it into clear management insights.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to work effectively in a developing project environment with evolving requirements.

The role will be based in Syria and will support the delivery of Arada Development’s emerging development portfolio, working closely with local and international stakeholders across the project lifecycle.

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.