Lead Planning Engineer (EPC, Process Equipment) Full-time

NOV (National Oilwell Varco) is hiring a Lead Planning Engineer in Dubai, UAE, and this is a strong opportunity for professionals ready to grow. Moreover, the role offers real responsibility from day one. Therefore, if you meet the criteria below, you should apply promptly through the official link.

About the Lead Planning Engineer role

Working as a Lead Planning Engineer in Dubai places you at the heart of the UAE energy and industrial sector. This role suits candidates who value technical rigour, clear communication and steady collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. You will contribute to projects that support the region growth while building a rewarding long-term career.

NOTE: Please ONLY apply if you have sufficient experience and skills required as per job description below.

Job Summary. 
Reporting to the Operations Director, the Lead Planning Engineer is responsible for all project planning, scheduling, and project controls activities for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across the MENA region for NOV Process Systems, with a particular focus on oil and gas processing equipment.

The Lead Planning Engineer will work closely with project teams, providing expert planning and scheduling support throughout the project lifecycle. The role is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and monitoring project schedules while ensuring accurate reporting against detailed project execution plans.

Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Scheduling

• Ensure overall project delivery aligns with client schedule requirements and priorities.
• Develop a comprehensive Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) covering project scope and requirements.
• Develop, baseline, update, and maintain detailed project schedules across all project phases, including:
  • Engineering and Design Development
  • Procurement
  • Fabrication
  • Construction
• Coordinate with client representatives, project teams, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure schedules accurately reflect project requirements.
• Facilitate planning workshops and schedule review meetings to obtain stakeholder alignment and approval prior to schedule baselining.
• Review contractor and subcontractor schedules, where applicable, to ensure alignment with the overall project master schedule.
• Periodically update schedules based on actual project progress and performance.
• Coordinate with project teams, contractors, and subcontractors to prepare schedule forecasts and completion projections.
• Identify potential schedule risks, delays, and slippages, and collaborate with project teams to develop recovery and mitigation plans.
• Assess the impact of scope changes and approved variations, updating and re-baselining schedules as required.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Establish and agree on progress measurement and reporting requirements with the Project Manager and client.
• Prepare and distribute weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly progress reports, including progress curves and performance metrics.
• Provide project completion forecasts, including anticipated man-hours, to support cost forecasting and project controls activities.
• Collect, consolidate, analyze, and report project scope and schedule control information to assess overall project status and identify areas requiring corrective action.
• Develop and maintain project reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress, trends, and overall project performance.
• Verify physical progress claimed by contractors and subcontractors.
• Attend and contribute to project progress review meetings with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

Procurement & Coordination

• Coordinate with the Procurement and Supply Chain teams regarding the status of long-lead equipment and bulk materials, ensuring schedules remain current and accurate.
• Support project teams with schedule analysis and planning recommendations to facilitate successful project execution.

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Ensure the ongoing effectiveness of project planning and controls processes, systems, and methodologies.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality standards, and project requirements.
• Promote and maintain the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental performance.
• Provide training, mentoring, and guidance on planning and scheduling best practices to project team members.

Qualifications & Experience Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.

Experience

• Proven experience in EPC project planning, scheduling, estimating, or project controls within multi-disciplinary projects.
• Experience working across a broad range of EPC and EPCM projects.
• Strong background in project controls, planning, and schedule management.
• Experience in oil and gas process equipment projects is highly desirable.
• Experience with STAR projects is advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
• Strong understanding of EPC project execution methodologies and planning processes.
• Excellent analytical, forecasting, reporting, and schedule management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate across multidisciplinary project teams.

About NOV (National Oilwell Varco) in the UAE

NOV (National Oilwell Varco) operates across the UAE and the wider region, and it is known for strong engineering standards and career development. Consequently, employees gain exposure to major projects and modern technology. You can explore similar openings on our Dubai jobs page.

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the official NOV (National Oilwell Varco) careers portal. First, review the requirements carefully. Then, submit your application via the official Lead Planning Engineer vacancy page to be considered.