What are roles and responsibilities of Commercial Planning Engineer post ?

The role of a Commercial Planning Engineer sits at the intersection of technical engineering knowledge and commercial/business acumen. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that engineering projects are not only technically sound but also commercially viable, delivered on time, and within budget. The specific roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the industry, company size, and project complexity, but generally include:   

Core Responsibilities:

• Project Planning and Scheduling:

  • Developing detailed project plans, schedules, and timelines using project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).   

  • Breaking down projects into manageable tasks and activities.   

  • Identifying critical paths and dependencies between activities.

  • Monitoring project progress against the schedule and identifying potential delays.   

  • Developing recovery plans to mitigate delays and keep projects on track.   

  • Updating and revising schedules as needed based on project changes and progress.   

• Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

  • Preparing accurate cost estimates for project resources, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors.   

  • Developing and managing project budgets.

  • Monitoring project expenditures and identifying potential cost overruns.   

  • Analyzing project costs and providing financial reports.   

  • Contributing to value engineering and cost optimization efforts.

• Contract Management Support:

  • Assisting in the preparation and review of contract documents.   

  • Evaluating the commercial aspects of bids and proposals from contractors and suppliers.

  • Monitoring contractual obligations and ensuring compliance.   

  • Assisting in the management of variations and claims from a schedule and cost perspective.

• Risk Management:

  • Identifying potential commercial and schedule risks and developing mitigation strategies.   

  • Analyzing the impact of risks on project timelines and budgets.

  • Contributing to the development of contingency plans.   

• Resource Management:

  • Planning and forecasting resource requirements (personnel, equipment, materials).

  • Ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources.   

  • Identifying and addressing resource conflicts.

• Stakeholder Communication and Reporting:

  • Preparing and presenting project progress reports, including schedule and cost performance.   

  • Communicating effectively with project managers, engineering teams, commercial teams, clients, and other stakeholders.   

  • Facilitating meetings and discussions related to project plans and commercial aspects.

• Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring:

  • Analyzing project data to identify trends and areas for improvement.   

  • Developing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule and cost.   

  • Preparing performance reports and dashboards.   

• Process Improvement:

  • Contributing to the development and improvement of project planning and control processes.

  • Identifying and implementing best practices in commercial planning.   

• Technical Understanding:

  • Possessing a strong understanding of the engineering principles and technical aspects of the projects they are involved in.   

  • Being able to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and other project documents.

Required Skills and Qualifications Often Include:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field). A business-related degree or certification can be beneficial.   

• Proven experience in project planning and control, preferably in a commercial environment.

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.   

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.   

• Strong understanding of cost control and budgeting principles.

• Familiarity with contract terms and conditions.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.   

In essence, a Commercial Planning Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring that engineering projects are not only technically successful but also commercially sound and delivered efficiently. They bridge the gap between the technical and business aspects of a project, contributing significantly to its overall success