Vice President – Group Project Management

Office

General Summary

The Vice President of Group Project Management Office (GPMO) is instrumental in the success of our client’s most critical strategic projects and transformation programs. This leadership role is responsible for establishing and managing the GPMO function, championing PMO processes and frameworks, and ensuring transparency and communication with the executive leadership and shareholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the GPMO function

▪ Runs GPMO like a well-oiled machine by providing strategic direction and supporting team with resolutions and resources (e.g., access to top leadership, external expertise, departmental budget)

▪ Defines pipeline of programs under GPMO scope and GPMO support model (end-to-end PMO or reporting and tactical support)

Provide strategic support

▪ Oversees development of a consolidated roadmap (e.g., timelines, value impact, implementation milestones) covering all programs in GPMO scope to enable a master view of all strategic programs

▪ Oversees establishment and management of a robust monitoring system for all programs in GPMO scope, ensuring relevant information is effectively communicated to key stakeholders (e.g., Board, Group CEO)

▪ Facilitates and actively participates in brainstorming sessions with the top leadership to explore value creation opportunities and find resolutions for program-related challenges

▪ Encourages BUs/ functions to recognize execution interdependencies and cross-functional synergies across projects/ programs. Collaborates with relevant Chiefs/ heads to mobilize need-based capacity of GPMO team to support initiative design, planning, and execution

▪ Oversees establishment of clear accountability across programs, promotes adoption of consistent standards (e.g., tools, policies), and drives efficient decision making (e.g., escalation paths)

▪ Defines and secures Group CEO/ Board approval for change management initiatives in programs, where relevant (e.g., rewards and recognition, communication plan) and collaborates with functions (e.g., HR, Corporate Communications) for planning and execution

Foster team development

▪ Reviews and adjusts team structure and hiring needs with HR regularly toensure sufficient staffing for full-time and part-time roles. Collaborates with HR on recruiting and onboarding efforts to ensure talent acquisition meets the organizational needs

▪ Mentors and manages professional growth of team members by recognizing strengths, identifying areas of improvement, and defining career progression roadmaps

Knowledge, Skills and/ or Abilities required

▪ 15+ years of total experience, including 5-7 years in management consulting across heavy industries (e.g., mining, manufacturing, steel), driving transformational programs

▪ Advanced skills in project management and planning, with proven experience in driving integrated planning and implementation of complex projects with broad impact within time and budget constraints

▪ Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to identify risks, brainstorm mitigation actions and track their execution

▪ Demonstrated ability to select and implement project management methods, tools, and metrics across planning, implementation, and value realization phases

▪ Broad knowledge of initiatives typically undertaken in heavy industries and keen awareness of their impact on the organization

▪ Strong command of English; fluency in Arabic is an advantage

Behavioural Competencies

▪ Exceptional ability to build and nurture relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders. Strong organizational awareness – knows how to read organizational dynamics at the senior levels and navigate stakeholders

▪ Comfortable working in dynamic, fast paced, and ambiguous environments with ever-changing situations

▪ Demonstrated capability to operate as a self-starter and take initiative without direct instruction

▪ Proven ability to coach, facilitate, and influence people at all levels

▪ Cultural fluency and solid understanding of the UAE business landscape

Minimum education qualification

▪ B.A./B.S. (engineering related field preferred)

▪ Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field (MBA/ PhD is a

plus)

Location: Abu Dhabi