Planning and Controls Manager

Job Title : Planning & Controls Manager

Job Location : Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Job Type : Interim, 12 month initial contract with 2-3 year duration

WeConnect Energy is delighted to support a key customer in Abu Dhabi for their search for an interim Planning and Controls manager for either a Conventional CCGT project or a renewables project in BESS or PV.

Role Description

This position is responsible for overseeing project planning, scheduling, and cost control activities to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and maintaining detailed project plans, monitoring progress against milestones, preparing reports and forecasts, and identifying risks or variances in performance.

The manager will collaborate closely with project managers, finance teams, and other stakeholders to align project controls with organisational objectives and industry standards. The role also involves implementing best practices in planning and controls, supporting decision-making with accurate data, and continuously improving processes and tools.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Perform a detailed analysis and be fully aware of in all activities related to planning and reporting requirements from the Power Purchase Agreement, EPC Contract, grid connection arrangements, land and permitting obligations, Owner’s requirements and other applicable Project Agreements, taking a leading role in Project Controls oversight for the assigned renewable project(s).
• Run specific critical path analysis and verify and challenge the modifications and deviations on the different Projects schedules (mainly on the Baseline schedule), reporting/verifying those with the Project Companies’ team, ensuring that proper and proactive awareness and recovery measures are acknowledged.
• Follow Project Companies actions to ensure the EPC Contractor’s compliance in executing of the works in accordance with Project Planning and Control requirements at every stage of the project.
• Follow Project Companies actions to assist and drive the EPC Project Control Manager the weekly Planning review meetings, progress and/or discipline meetings with EPC Contractor;
• Support in the recruitment of the Project Company Project Control engineer prior to taking a leadership role in onboarding.
• Once onboarded, perform close oversight of the Project Company Project Control engineer activities in line with both EPC Contractor’s and Project Companies respective project control requirements.
• Act as independent Project Controls assurance representative, providing an objective assessment of project status and challenging Project Company and EPC Contractor assumptions, forecasts, recovery proposals and reported performance.
• Perform periodic project controls health checks and promptly escalate emerging schedule, progress, resource, risk, change and claim matters that may affect contractual or shareholder objectives.
• Apply an integrated project controls approach covering schedule, resources, progress, risk, change and reporting, while coordinating with Finance and other functions in accordance with the

Qualifications

• Experience in project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking within energy or related industries.
• Strong skills in cost control, budgeting, and financial analysis for projects.
• Proficiency with project management and planning software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project, or similar tools).
• Ability to interpret and present data clearly, including dashboards, reports, and performance metrics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and a structured approach.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, finance, or a related discipline; advanced qualifications or professional certifications (e.g., PMP, APM) are an advantage.
• Prior experience in the energy sector specifically Renewables or CCGT is required.

Job Package

• 70,000 UED / Month
• Visa
• Medical
• 12 month initial Conract
• 5 days / week, 8 hours / day.