Program Manager

Location – Abu Dhabi

Must be based in the UAE

My client is seeking a Senior Program Manager to support them in their lovely offices based in Abu Dhabi.

Position Summary:

The Program Manager is a key leadership role responsible for driving high-impact strategic initiatives and serving as the primary liaison to the Director of Strategic Initiatives. This role is designed for a highly organized, strategic thinker with exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion. The Senior Program Manager will provide critical support in decision-making, communication, and coordination across all operational departments. The role demands a high level of confidentiality, independence, and organizational skills to manage key initiatives with minimal supervision. A strong problem solver with a practical approach, the ideal candidate will thrive in dynamic environments and demonstrate high levels of flexibility to adapt to business changes.

What you’ll do

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic initiatives that align with organizational objectives

• Oversee and ensure the effective implementation of project management standards and best practices across all initiatives

• Manage and oversee operational projects across the Corporate Services pillar, including HR, IT, Finance, and Administration

• Strategic Initiatives: manage initiatives related to strategy and expansion

• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resources, risk management, and budget oversight, ensuring successful project outcomes

• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project objectives and deliverables

• Policies, Machines and DoA: support on developing policies, frameworks, and processes to drive operational efficiency, and compliance

Executive Liaison:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Director, the HQ offices and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment with the department’s strategic objectives

• Provide strategic advisory support to the Director, including preparing reports, presentations, and briefing materials

• Facilitate meetings and ensure follow-ups on action items

• Represent the Director in high-level meetings or on calls as needed, ensuring their vision and directives are effectively communicated and implemented

• Plan and communicate meeting agendas, schedule various meetings, and draft and circulate minutes

• Prepare documents for review and presentation, including reports, charts, and presentations

• Draft and review correspondence, ensuring a high level of accuracy and professionalism

What our client is seeking

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Exceptional in problem-solving with a practical approach to overcoming challenges

• Possess a high level of flexibility, with the ability to adjust quickly to changes in business needs and priorities

• Strong in leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels

• Excellent in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create high-quality presentations and reports.

• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget

• Discreet and capable of handling confidential information

• Experience in managing or applying project management standards within a PMO or similar environment

• Proven experience working closely with senior leadership, ideally in a strategic advisory or liaison capacity

• Experience in working in a cross-functional operational setup

What you must have:  

• A bachelor’s degree from a reputed university is essential. A Master’s degree is an added benefit.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of proven experience as project manager, including at least 2-3 years of executive liaison support to the C-suite

• Proficient in the entire Microsoft Office suite, with exceptional excel and power point skills

• Minimum 5 years of cross-functional experience in a matrixed global environment

• Previous experience in the Financial Services industry is an added advantage.

89777 ZC