JLL supports the Whole You, personally and professionally.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology to our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry; and we support them through professional growth, flexibility, and personalized benefits to manage life in and outside of work. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, and technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, we empower you to shape a brighter way forward so you can thrive professionally and personally.
A Planning Manager oversees project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress monitoring across construction or development projects, ensuring timely completion within budget while coordinating activities across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.
Core ResponsibilitiesProject Schedule Development The Planning Manager develops comprehensive project schedules from inception through completion, breaking down projects into manageable work packages and activities. They establish logical sequences, dependencies, and critical paths using scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project). They define milestones, deliverables, and completion criteria aligned with contractual requirements and client expectations. They incorporate design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning phases into integrated master schedules.
Resource Planning and Allocation They forecast manpower, equipment, and material requirements throughout project lifecycles. They coordinate with procurement teams to establish lead times for critical materials and equipment. They identify resource constraints, bottlenecks, or conflicts and develop strategies to optimize resource utilization. They balance resource demands across multiple concurrent projects when managing portfolio-level planning.
Progress Monitoring and Reporting Conducting regular site visits and coordination meetings, they monitor actual progress against baseline schedules. They collect progress data from contractors, engineers, and subcontractors, updating schedules to reflect current status. They generate progress reports, S-curves, histograms, and dashboards for project teams, management, and clients. They analyze variances between planned and actual progress, identifying trends and potential issues early.
Critical Path Management The Planning Manager continuously monitors critical path activities that directly impact project completion dates. They identify activities with float (schedule flexibility) versus those requiring immediate attention. When critical activities fall behind, they develop recovery plans including activity acceleration, resource augmentation, or work resequencing. They assess impacts of design changes, delays, or unforeseen conditions on critical paths.
Look-Ahead Planning They prepare short-term look-ahead schedules (typically 3-6 weeks) detailing upcoming activities, resource requirements, material deliveries, and coordination needs. These detailed plans enable site teams to prepare adequately, identify potential constraints before they cause delays, and maintain workflow continuity. They coordinate weekly or bi-weekly planning meetings with contractors and subcontractors to align on near-term priorities.
Risk Management and Delay Analysis They identify schedule risks including weather impacts, regulatory approvals, material supply chain issues, design uncertainties, or contractor performance concerns. They develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans. When delays occur, they conduct time impact analysis to assess effects on overall schedules and determine responsibility. They prepare delay claims documentation or responses as required.
Change Management The Planning Manager assesses schedule impacts of design changes, scope variations, or client instructions. They quantify time extensions required, evaluate acceleration options, and present alternatives with cost-schedule trade-offs. They update baseline schedules following approved changes and maintain change logs documenting schedule evolution.
Multi-Discipline Coordination Construction projects involve architecture, structure, MEP, civil works, interior fit-out, and external works proceeding concurrently. The Planning Manager coordinates sequencing between disciplines, ensuring predecessor activities complete before successors begin. They facilitate coordination meetings to resolve interface issues, access conflicts, or dependency challenges. They ensure schedules reflect realistic coordination requirements rather than theoretical parallel working.
Contractor and Subcontractor Management They obtain and review subcontractor schedules for integration into master programs. They establish schedule submission requirements in contracts and monitor contractor adherence to approved schedules. They track subcontractor performance, identifying poorly performing contractors requiring management intervention. They coordinate schedule requirements during contractor procurement and mobilization.
Baseline Management and Schedule Updates They establish and maintain approved baseline schedules against which progress is measured. They implement schedule update protocols, typically monthly, incorporating completed work, revised durations for ongoing activities, and updated logic for remaining work. They manage schedule revisions when significant changes warrant new baselines, maintaining version control and audit trails.
Earned Value Management For projects using earned value techniques, the Planning Manager integrates cost and schedule data to assess project performance. They calculate schedule performance indices (SPI), analyze schedule variance, and forecast completion dates based on current performance trends. They collaborate with cost managers to provide comprehensive project performance analysis.
Procurement Schedule Integration They coordinate with procurement teams to establish material and equipment delivery schedules aligned with construction requirements. They track long-lead items requiring early ordering, monitor supplier performance, and assess impacts of procurement delays on construction schedules. They ensure procurement activities appear in master schedules with appropriate lead times.
Commissioning and Handover Planning As projects near completion, they develop detailed commissioning and handover schedules coordinating system testing, defect rectification, documentation compilation, training sessions, and phased handovers. They coordinate with operations teams receiving completed facilities to ensure smooth transitions.
Reporting and Communication The Planning Manager prepares regular schedule reports for internal management, clients, and external stakeholders. They present schedule status in meetings, explaining variances, risks, and mitigation plans. They translate complex schedule data into accessible formats for non-technical audiences. They maintain transparent communication about schedule challenges and realistic completion forecasts.
Software and Systems Management They maintain planning software systems, ensuring data integrity, backup procedures, and user access controls. They establish scheduling standards, templates, and work breakdown structures for consistency across projects. They train project teams in schedule interpretation and update procedures.
Key Skills RequiredExpert proficiency in scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asta Powerproject) and planning methodologies (Critical Path Method, Gantt charts, resource leveling) is essential. Strong analytical abilities enable complex schedule analysis, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Understanding of construction methods, sequences, and durations across all disciplines supports realistic schedule development.
Project management knowledge, including contract administration and commercial awareness, enables effective planning within contractual frameworks. Communication skills facilitate coordination across diverse teams and clear presentation of schedule information to varied audiences. Attention to detail ensures schedule accuracy while strategic thinking maintains focus on project-level objectives.
The role demands someone who can balance theoretical scheduling principles with practical construction realities, maintaining schedule rigor while adapting to dynamic project environments and supporting successful project delivery.
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements below. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health.
About JLL –
We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We’re using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.
Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we’re honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together.
