Planning Manager - Interior fit out

Job Title

Planning Manager

Department

Planning

Location

Chennai

Reporting To

GM - Projects

Job Summary

The Planning Manager is responsible for leading project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and project controls functions across multiple commercial interior fit-out projects. The role ensures effective planning and execution through robust scheduling, resource management, progress tracking, forecasting, and risk mitigation. The position works closely with Project Management, QS, Procurement, Design, and MEP teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, review, and manage master project schedules, detailed execution plans, and project control frameworks.
• Establish project baselines, milestones, work breakdown structures (WBS), and resource-loaded schedules.
• Ensure project timelines are aligned with contractual commitments and business objectives.
• Develop project recovery plans and mitigation strategies for delayed activities.

Project Monitoring & Controls

• Monitor project progress against approved baselines and identify schedule deviations and risks.
• Conduct critical path analysis, delay analysis, and schedule impact assessments.
• Track productivity, manpower deployment, procurement activities, and subcontractor performance.
• Ensure timely updating and maintenance of project schedules in Primavera P6 and related planning tools.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with Project Managers, Site Teams, Procurement, QS, Design, and MEP departments to ensure project alignment.
• Participate in project review meetings and provide strategic planning inputs to support project execution.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, and contractors on project schedules, milestones, and progress reporting.
• Support project teams in resolving planning-related issues and resource constraints.

Reporting & Forecasting

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and executive-level progress reports, dashboards, and management presentations.
• Provide project forecasts, completion projections, and resource planning reports.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide recommendations for performance improvement.
• Present project status updates and risk assessments to senior management.

Resource & Risk Management

• Develop manpower and resource deployment plans across projects.
• Identify project risks, constraints, and potential bottlenecks and implement mitigation measures.
• Support cost control initiatives through effective planning and coordination with QS and Commercial teams.
• Assist in claims management and extension-of-time (EOT) assessments where required.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor Planning Engineers, Coordinators, and Assistant Managers.
• Ensure planning standards, methodologies, and reporting systems are consistently implemented.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the planning function.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support tendering and pre-construction activities by developing project schedules, resource plans, and execution strategies.
• Participate in project audits and organizational process improvement initiatives.
• Any other responsibilities assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• NICMAR is preferred.
• Primavera P6 Certification is preferred.
• Additional certifications in Project Management (PMP or equivalent) will be an advantage.

Experience

• 7-12 years of experience in Project Planning and Project Controls.
• Mandatory experience in Commercial Interior Fit-Out projects.
• Proven experience managing planning functions across multiple projects.
• Strong exposure to project scheduling, forecasting, resource planning, and project performance management.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, and project control methodologies.
• Strong understanding of commercial interior fit-out project execution and construction management.
• Expertise in critical path analysis, delay analysis, resource planning, and project forecasting.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, and project reporting tools.
• Knowledge of procurement planning, cost control coordination, and risk management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.