Head of Planning Section

Head of Planning Section Department: Engineering Projects & Facilities Department Location: UAE About Iris Executives Iris Executives is a leading Emiratisation-focused executive search firm established in 2010. We specialise in identifying and placing high-calibre UAE National talent into strategic leadership roles across government, semi-government, and private sector organisations. We are currently supporting a leading government entity in the search for a Head of Planning Section to join its Engineering Projects & Facilities Department. Role Overview The Head of Planning Section will lead the project planning function for the entity's building portfolio, ensuring that projects are properly assessed, prioritised, and budgeted before moving into design and construction phases. The role focuses on building and managing the annual project pipeline: overseeing feasibility studies, preparing capital budget proposals, monitoring expenditure, and coordinating project requirements across internal departments and external consultants. The successful candidate will provide technical planning leadership across a portfolio of renovation and new-build projects, ensuring that each project is justified, costed, and properly sequenced within the organisation's operational plan. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that capital resources are allocated effectively across government facilities both locally and internationally. Key Responsibilities Project Pipeline Planning Develop and manage the annual building project plan, setting priorities and sequencing projects based on technical assessments and organisational needs. Oversee the preparation of initial technical studies and feasibility assessments to determine the viability and readiness of proposed projects. Develop alternative project plans and contingency options to manage risks within the operational plan. Capital Budget Planning & Cost Control Prepare the proposed annual capital budget distribution for approved building projects, based on priorities, feasibility studies, and available funding. Monitor actual expenditure reports against approved plans and coordinate budget reallocations across project line items. Ensure project financial estimates are regularly updated and accurately reflected in operational plans. Stakeholder & Consultant Coordination Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to gather project requirements and align planning with operational needs. Provide technical advice and planning support to other sections within the department. Monitor project progress and conduct benchmarking to support technical problem-solving across the portfolio. Team Leadership Supervise and guide a team of planning engineers, ensuring effective delivery of planning responsibilities. Provide training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer to team members. Promote best practices, innovation, and adherence to organisational policies within the planning function. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be an experienced engineering or planning professional with a strong background in multi-project capital planning within a structured organisational environment. Key requirements include: UAE National Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline Experience planning and prioritising a portfolio of building projects Ability to prepare capital budget proposals and monitor project expenditure Strong coordination skills across internal departments and external consultants Experience working in structured organisations with formal approval processes Project management certification is considered a plus, but not mandatory. Benefits The organisation offers a comprehensive government employment package including: Competitive government benefits and pension scheme Family medical coverage Annual leave and public holidays Professional development opportunities Full compensation details will be discussed confidentially with shortlisted candidates. How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to contact Iris Executives to request the candidate Data Form and submit their CV for confidential consideration. All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.