Head of Planning and Controls - Real Estate Development
Job Overview
Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is seeking an accomplished Head of Planning and Controls to lead project planning, controls, and operational efficiency across its major real estate development portfolio. Based in Dubai, this strategic role will oversee planning teams and ensure time, cost, and compliance targets are consistently met for complex, multi-phase projects such as Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Real Estate
Function: Program / Project Management
Salary: 40000-50000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full Time
Job Overview
The Head of Planning and Controls will manage the full life cycle of planning activities, from pre-contract tender assessment to project execution, audits, and resource optimization. This leadership role will be responsible for maintaining adherence to delivery schedules and budget frameworks while supporting long-term business growth and operational efficiency. The position requires excellent cross-functional leadership and deep expertise in infrastructure and large-scale project management.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning team across major real estate projects, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic goals
• Oversee delivery performance, achieving 95%+ compliance with time and cost control benchmarks
• Develop and drive a 3-5-year business plan aligned with Al-Futtaim's growth objectives
• Conduct audits and ensure planning functions meet contractual and compliance standards
• Evaluate tenders, master programmes, and methodologies to ensure accuracy and viability
• Advise on entitlement claims and risk mitigation strategies
• Maintain stakeholder engagement, including with boards and senior leadership
• Monitor KPIs, drive 10%+ annual improvement in delivery efficiency, and sustain 90%+ resource utilization
• Lead functional initiatives such as planning automation, AI integration, and process innovation
• Manage internal training, PDRs, appraisals, and workforce development strategies
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations on all active sites
• Represent the Planning & Controls function in key business decisions and senior management discussions

Job Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of experience in project planning and controls within the real estate or construction sector
• Proven track record leading planning functions for major mixed-use, infrastructure, or real estate developments
• Experience managing planning audits, risk evaluation, tender reviews, and project governance
• Skilled in cross-functional leadership, business strategy, and operational execution
• Strong understanding of local UAE regulations, HSE frameworks, and regional development dynamics
• Chartered membership in a relevant professional body is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of construction logistics, financial planning, and stakeholder management
• Familiarity with emerging technologies including AI integration in planning tools

What We Offer

• Senior leadership role with regional impact
• Competitive executive-level compensation and benefits
• Opportunity to oversee iconic developments in the UAE and MENA region
• Work in a strategic role contributing to the future growth of Al-Futtaim Real Estate
• High-level engagement with board members, clients, and cross-sector stakeholders

About the Company
Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) is the development and asset management arm of the Al-Futtaim Group. AFGRE is responsible for developing, leasing, and managing flagship mixed-use communities such as Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City. With over 40 years of experience, AFGRE continues to lead the real estate sector through innovation, sustainability, and a customer-first approach.
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Job Title Head of Planning and Controls - Real Estate Development
Head of Planning and Controls - Real Estate Development
Job Overview
Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is seeking an accomplished Head of Planning and Controls to lead project planning, controls, and operational efficiency across its major real estate development portfolio. Based in Dubai, this strategic role will oversee planning teams and ensure time, cost, and compliance targets are consistently met for complex, multi-phase projects such as Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Real Estate
Function: Program / Project Management
Salary: 40000-50000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full Time
Job Overview
The Head of Planning and Controls will manage the full life cycle of planning activities, from pre-contract tender assessment to project execution, audits, and resource optimization. This leadership role will be responsible for maintaining adherence to delivery schedules and budget frameworks while supporting long-term business growth and operational efficiency. The position requires excellent cross-functional leadership and deep expertise in infrastructure and large-scale project management.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning team across major real estate projects, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic goals
• Oversee delivery performance, achieving 95%+ compliance with time and cost control benchmarks
• Develop and drive a 3-5-year business plan aligned with Al-Futtaim's growth objectives
• Conduct audits and ensure planning functions meet contractual and compliance standards
• Evaluate tenders, master programmes, and methodologies to ensure accuracy and viability
• Advise on entitlement claims and risk mitigation strategies
• Maintain stakeholder engagement, including with boards and senior leadership
• Monitor KPIs, drive 10%+ annual improvement in delivery efficiency, and sustain 90%+ resource utilization
• Lead functional initiatives such as planning automation, AI integration, and process innovation
• Manage internal training, PDRs, appraisals, and workforce development strategies
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations on all active sites
• Represent the Planning & Controls function in key business decisions and senior management discussions

Job Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of experience in project planning and controls within the real estate or construction sector
• Proven track record leading planning functions for major mixed-use, infrastructure, or real estate developments
• Experience managing planning audits, risk evaluation, tender reviews, and project governance
• Skilled in cross-functional leadership, business strategy, and operational execution
• Strong understanding of local UAE regulations, HSE frameworks, and regional development dynamics
• Chartered membership in a relevant professional body is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of construction logistics, financial planning, and stakeholder management
• Familiarity with emerging technologies including AI integration in planning tools

What We Offer

• Senior leadership role with regional impact
• Competitive executive-level compensation and benefits
• Opportunity to oversee iconic developments in the UAE and MENA region
• Work in a strategic role contributing to the future growth of Al-Futtaim Real Estate
• High-level engagement with board members, clients, and cross-sector stakeholders

About the Company
Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) is the development and asset management arm of the Al-Futtaim Group. AFGRE is responsible for developing, leasing, and managing flagship mixed-use communities such as Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City. With over 40 years of experience, AFGRE continues to lead the real estate sector through innovation, sustainability, and a customer-first approach.
Let me know if you\'d like this job structured for your portal or exported as JSON-LD.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 40000.00
Salary to 50000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location