Project Planning Lead, Gensler

Your Role Gensler's London office is seeking an experienced Project Planner to join our team of design thinkers and doers. You will be experienced in handling complex project schedules using Primavera P6, with excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to understand and interpret project timelines and milestones. This is a pivotal role and is accountable to the Project Director. You will have a comprehensive understanding of the construction planning process, from concept through completion, and possess demonstrable Middle Eastern construction planning experience, having worked on a variety of large-scale projects. A self-motivated team player with a detail-oriented, communicative and collaborative approach, you will work in partnership with colleagues across Gensler's practice areas not only in the Middle East but Firmwide, as well as with clients, contractors, consultants and stakeholders at all levels. What You Will Do Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Primavera P6, ensuring alignment with project objectives and contractual requirements Monitor and report on project progress, identifying potential delays and developing mitigation strategies Create and distribute comprehensive progress reports, including S-curves, earned value analysis, and critical path analysis Lead the planning and scheduling aspects of project meetings with clients, contractors, and consultants Coordinate with project teams to ensure resource allocation aligns with project timelines Analyze schedule impacts of proposed changes and prepare time impact analyses Develop and maintain project baselines, identifying and tracking all critical milestones Review and validate contractors' schedules and progress claims Prepare recovery schedules when required and monitor their implementation Maintain schedule risk registers and conduct schedule risk assessments Provide mentoring and guidance to junior planning team members Support the claims management process with detailed schedule analysis when required Your Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field Minimum 8 years of experience in project planning and scheduling, with at least 5 years in Middle Eastern projects Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 is essential Experience with major commercial, residential, or mixed-use developments Strong understanding of construction methodologies and sequences Proven experience in earned value management and critical path analysis Knowledge of NEC, FIDIC, and local construction contracts Experience in delay analysis and claims support Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills in English; Arabic language skills are highly desired Experience with other planning software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asta Powerproject) is advantageous PMI-SP or equivalent certification is preferred This job description reflects the core activities of the role although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. Life at Gensler We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, and annual bonus opportunities. As part of the firm's commitment to professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional qualifications and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programmes or classes. We view our professional development programmes as strategic investments in our future. At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings—we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law. Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us. Regarding Gensler approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email info@gensler.com.