Project Planning Engineer

Position: Lead - Project Planning & Control (PPC)

Location: Taloja, Navi Mumbai

Department: Projects / Design & Construction

Reporting To: Head - Projects / Program Director

Role Purpose

The Lead - Project Planning & Control (PPC) will be responsible for planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling large-scale data center projects. The role will ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with organizational objectives through robust project controls, progress monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder reporting.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline).
• Master's Degree/MBA in Project Management will be an advantage.
• PMP, PMI-SP, PRINCE2, PSP, or equivalent certification preferred.

Experience

• 10-15 years of experience in Project Planning, Project Controls, PMO, or Project Management.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Data Centers, Mission-Critical Facilities, Industrial Infrastructure, EPC, Power, or Large Construction Projects.
• Strong experience in managing project schedules for projects valued above 500 Cr.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules for data center development projects.
• Create detailed project execution plans covering engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Establish project baselines and monitor progress against approved schedules.
• Identify critical paths, schedule constraints, and mitigation plans.

Project Controls & Monitoring

• Track project progress, productivity, milestones, and deliverables.
• Analyze schedule variances and performance trends using project control methodologies.
• Develop recovery plans and corrective actions to address project delays.
• Monitor project KPIs and ensure timely reporting of key project metrics.

Cost & Budget Control

• Monitor project budgets, commitments, and expenditures.
• Support forecasting, cost analysis, and cash flow management.
• Coordinate with procurement, finance, and project teams to ensure cost optimization.
• Evaluate potential cost overruns and recommend mitigation measures.

Risk & Change Management

• Maintain project risk registers and risk mitigation plans.
• Support change management processes and assess schedule and cost impacts.
• Escalate critical project risks and issues to senior leadership.

Reporting & MIS

• Prepare project dashboards, progress reports, executive summaries, and management presentations.
• Generate weekly and monthly project performance reports.
• Develop data-driven insights for leadership decision-making.
• Track project performance using SPI, CPI, productivity indices, and other project control metrics.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, Finance, and EHS teams.
• Facilitate project review meetings and progress discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment of project objectives, schedules, and execution strategies.

Digital Tools & Process Improvement

• Drive implementation of best practices in planning and project controls.
• Support digitalization initiatives through Power BI dashboards and automation tools.
• Continuously improve project reporting accuracy and governance standards.