Manager - Project Management Office

Job Summary:

The PMO Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing and driving the successful execution of strategic projects across the GCC region, including the establishment of new offices and branches. This role demands a highly organized and results-oriented individual with proven project management expertise, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and a strategic mindset. The PMO Manager will act as a central point of contact, coordinating internal teams (finance, legal, etc.), external partners (legal firms, government authorities), and senior management to ensure seamless project delivery. Beyond new office setups, this role will also encompass managing other strategic projects as assigned by senior management, contributing significantly to the organization's growth and expansion within the region.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Project Management:

• Lead and manage the entire project lifecycle for strategic initiatives, from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and closure, ensuring alignment with overarching organizational goals and strategic objectives.
• Spearhead the setup of new offices and branches across the GCC region, encompassing all aspects from site selection and lease negotiation to fit-out, IT infrastructure deployment, and operational readiness.
• Lead and execute integration projects as required
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including detailed scope definitions, realistic timelines, resource allocation, risk assessments, and budget forecasts.
• Proactively identify and manage project dependencies, ensuring smooth transitions between project phases.
• Implement and maintain standardized project management methodologies and best practices within the PMO.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, including finance teams, internal legal counsel, HR, IT, and senior management, fostering open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Effectively liaise with external stakeholders, such as legal firms, government authorities, real estate agents, contractors, and vendors, ensuring compliance with local regulations and smooth project execution.
• Facilitate clear and concise communication among all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress, risks, and issues.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with external vendors and service providers.

Project Execution & Monitoring:

• Monitor project progress and performance against established baselines, proactively identifying and addressing any deviations or potential roadblocks.
• Implement robust project tracking mechanisms and reporting tools to provide real-time visibility into project status, budget adherence, and resource utilization.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, developing contingency plans to minimize potential disruptions.
• Ensure adherence to project management best practices, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and present regular project status reports to senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and upcoming milestones.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, meeting minutes, and lessons learned.
• Establish and maintain a centralized project repository for easy access to project-related information.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor project teams, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of other strategic projects as assigned by senior management, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement and innovation within the PMO, enhancing project delivery efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices in project management, and relevant regulations within the GCC region.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Logistics industry knowledge / experience is plus.
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project management, with a demonstrable focus on managing complex, multi-faceted projects, including experience in setting up new offices/branches.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Extensive experience in managing projects across multiple locations, preferably within the GCC region.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.
• Experience in footprint expansions with new office setups
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring meticulous execution of project plans.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering collaborative working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Arabic proficiency is a plus.