Planning Manager (Shutdown) (Job Code: R170)

Job Description – Planning Manager (Shutdown) – Qatar

Industry: Oil & Gas – Major Shutdown / Turnaround Projects

Position Overview

The Planning Manager shall lead and manage a team of Planning Engineers and Planners to ensure successful execution of major shutdown and turnaround projects through effective planning, scheduling, cost control, resource optimization, and timely mobilization. The role is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective shutdown execution while maintaining full compliance with contractual and client requirements.

The candidate must possess extensive hands-on experience in planning and scheduling major shutdowns involving 3500+ manpower within the Oil & Gas industry. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to preventive maintenance scope on the client side will not be considered suitable for this position.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling

• Establish, develop, and maintain an efficient Planning organizational structure for shutdown projects.

• Develop and maintain Level IV resource-loaded schedules in Primavera covering complete project activities.

• Prepare and maintain look-ahead plans, catch-up plans, and recovery schedules as required by shutdown execution.

• Monitor project progress and identify critical path activities, constraints, and mitigation measures.

• Ensure timely mobilization and optimum utilization of manpower, equipment, and materials.

Shutdown Controls & Reporting

• Establish systems, procedures, and processes to capture, record, monitor, and report all shutdown events accurately and timely.

• Publish periodic project progress reports and cost reports to client and corporate management as per approved reporting schedule.

• Direct and guide the project management team regarding project progress, productivity, and cost performance.

• Maintain discipline-wise productivity monitoring and reporting systems.

Work Pack & Scope Management

• Ensure availability and tracking of work packs for the entire shutdown scope including additional scope works.

• Maintain records for all approved work packs and scope changes.

• Maintain BOQ quantities for both in-house and subcontractor scopes.

Contract & Commercial Management

• Define subcontractor scope clearly and ensure work orders adequately cover anticipated risks on a back-to-back basis.

• Follow up and monitor all subcontract orders and purchase orders.

• Possess thorough understanding of project contracts and shutdown scope.

• Initiate variation orders, contractual correspondence, notifications, and claims coordination with contracts department.

• Generate project cash flow forecasts and support estimation team toward achieving positive cash flow.

Cost Control & Risk Management

• Establish project cost structures and monitor costs using activity-based costing methodologies.

• Develop and maintain risk and opportunity registers.

• Cascade risk impacts to project management teams and implement proactive mitigation plans.

• Monitor shutdown productivity and implement corrective actions where required.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain effective communication with Shutdown Manager, Client representatives, subcontractors, and corporate management.

• Ensure client expectations are achieved through proactive planning and execution support.

• Present planning data, schedules, and reports clearly and precisely to management and clients.

Education & Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• Strong working knowledge of Primavera P6 scheduling software.

• Excellent command of English (spoken, written, and comprehension).

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry.

• Minimum 5 completed major shutdowns as Planning/Controls Manager.

• Proven hands-on experience in planning and scheduling major shutdowns with manpower exceeding 3500 personnel.

• Strong experience in shutdown controls, cost monitoring, and contractual correspondence.

• Experience in writing contractual letters and managing variation orders.

• Minimum age: 36 years.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and team management capability.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

• Ability to present complex data in a concise and professional manner.

• High level of organizational and coordination skills.

• Strong understanding of shutdown execution strategies and risk management.

Important Note

Candidates with experience limited to client-side preventive maintenance activities will not be considered suitable for this role. Preference will be given to candidates with direct EPC/Shutdown contractor experience in major Oil & Gas turnaround projects.

Job Requirements: Planning, Scheduling, Primavera P6, Cost control, Resource optimization, Shutdown execution, Contractual correspondence, Variation orders, Contract management, Risk management, Risk and opportunity registers, Activity-based costing methodologies, Productivity monitoring, Team management, Leadership, Analytical skills, Problem-solving, Interpersonal skills, Communication abilities, Data presentation, Organizational skills, Coordination skills, Shutdown execution strategies