Head of Planning & Scheduling

JOB PURPOSE:

The Head of Planning & Scheduling is responsible for leading and managing the centralized maintenance planning and scheduling function across all infrastructure assets and facilities. The role ensures that preventive, corrective, and planned maintenance activities are effectively planned, prioritized, and executed through the optimal use of CMMS tools, including IBM Maximo.

The position focuses on maximizing asset availability, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance by optimizing workforce deployment, material planning, and maintenance schedules. The role also drives performance improvement through structured KPI monitoring, reporting, and continuous enhancement of planning, scheduling, and workforce rostering practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

• Lead the development and management of integrated maintenance schedules using IBM Maximo scheduling tools.
• Ensure accurate creation, prioritization, assignment, monitoring, and closure of maintenance work orders.
• Prioritize maintenance activities based on asset criticality, operational risk, and safety requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules across departments to align with operational and service requirements.
• Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance activities are planned and executed in accordance with maintenance strategies and asset management policies.

Resource & Material Planning

• Forecast and allocate labor, tools, and spare parts required for scheduled maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with procurement and inventory teams to ensure timely availability of materials and spare parts.
• Optimize workforce allocation based on workload distribution and technician competencies.
• Ensure efficient utilization of maintenance resources to support operational performance and cost control.

Workforce Rostering & Staff Coordination

• Oversee the development and management of maintenance staff rosters to ensure adequate coverage and operational efficiency.
• Ensure fair and transparent distribution of shifts, leave, and coverage during absences.
• Manage annual leave, holidays, and sickness records in compliance with organizational policies.
• Support training and awareness initiatives related to roster management and workforce planning.
• Promote staff welfare and engagement by balancing operational requirements with employee well-being.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor and analyze key maintenance performance indicators such as schedule compliance, maintenance backlog, MTTR, and asset availability.
• Produce regular reports and dashboards to support management decision-making.
• Utilize Maximo reporting tools and analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accurate data management and reporting to support operational transparency and performance management.

Strategic Maintenance Planning

• Lead the development of annual and long-term maintenance plans aligned with asset management strategies.
• Support lifecycle planning and reliability improvement initiatives aimed at maximizing asset performance and minimizing downtime.
• Ensure maintenance planning activities align with ISO standards, internal procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Provide strategic leadership to the planning and scheduling team, ensuring clear roles, accountability, and performance expectations.
• Mentor and develop team members to strengthen planning capabilities and professional growth.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead initiatives to enhance scheduling practices, workforce planning, and resource optimization.
• Support digital transformation initiatives, including automation of scheduling and rostering processes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across all planning activities.

Safety Responsibilities

• Promote a positive safety culture within the workplace and attend any safety-related meetings or briefings as
• required within the job role.
• Comply with the requirements of RDMC RQHSE Policy and Safety Management System.
• Be mindful that Safety, Security, and Environmental protection are everyone’s responsibility.
• All staff members are accountable for reporting and intervening in any Safety, Security, or Environmental violations.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Maintenance Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, French is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE

• Strong understanding of maintenance planning and scheduling principles.
• Proficiency in IBM Maximo or similar CMMS platforms.
• Knowledge of resource planning, forecasting, and workforce rostering.
• Familiarity with maintenance KPIs, performance monitoring, and reporting systems.
• Understanding of ISO standards and asset lifecycle management practices.

EXPERIENCE

• 7-10 years in maintenance planning, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in large-scale industrial or infrastructure environments is preferred.

DESIRED BEHAVIORS & EXPERIENCES

• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Effective communication and team coordination skills.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to adapt to change and drive process improvements.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.