Lead Planner – Project Scheduling & Controls

About the role

Wood (trading locally as WOOD KSS LLP) is seeking an experienced Lead Planner to manage project schedules and planning activities for its oil and gas petrochemical operations in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. The role will oversee the Planning team, ensure compliance with contractual and company standards, and act as the central point of contact for all planning-related matters.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and plans in line with contractual requirements and Wood policies.
• Document, audit, and control schedules, ensuring they are issued in a controlled manner.
• Supervise the Planning team, delegate work, review outputs, and support professional development.
• Serve as the focal point for planning support, managing communications with the project team and client.
• Identify best practices and drive continuous improvement within the Planning function.
• Maintain planning control structures aligned with the approved Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Monitor and control planning activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Liaise with engineering, procurement, construction and third‑party functions to assess schedule impacts.
• Produce and distribute project plans, schedules, progress, and performance reports as required.
• Collaborate with cost discipline to forecast man‑hour budgets and incorporate change impacts.
• Participate in schedule risk analysis and Project Controls compliance reviews.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of planning experience, preferably in the oil and gas or petrochemical sector.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a Planning team.
• Strong knowledge of project scheduling, control structures, and risk analysis.
• Eligibility to work in Kazakhstan (KZ passport holders).
• Excellent communication skills for interfacing with internal and external stakeholders.

Required skills

• Project scheduling and control.
• Schedule risk analysis.