Job Description

JPC - 3457 - Project Manager Location: Abu Dhabi Contract Duration: 18 months. Summary of Role: Project Manager with a proven track record in managing large-scale, complex projects, particularly in the education sector, including school openings. The successful candidate will coordinate and lead cross functional teams to deliver strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and effective stakeholder management. The Project Manager will be responsible for setting up, developing and leading teams to deliver diverse, complex strategic initiatives that span across business units and contribute to the strategic value of the organization. To coordinate and lead group-wide strategic initiatives, particularly those related to school openings, by leveraging support and resources from multiple cross-functional teams. The role involves developing detailed project plans, driving and tracking project completion from inception to handover, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The role holder must operate effectively and deliver value across each function of the Business (HR, Operations, Finance, Education, Procurement, Enrolments, Risk etc) and Technology without necessarily being a domain expert, with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including (Executive) Director and Chief levels. Strategic Planning and Delivery - Lead project planning, prioritization, and resource allocation to achieve business objectives within set timelines and budgets. - - - - Main Duties - Define project objectives in collaboration with senior management, ensuring alignment across all relevant functions (Business and IT). Choose the best delivery approach and ensure stakeholders are prepared and engaged. Engage with business users to comprehend their requirements, recognize benefits to the business (such as revenue generation, cost containment, improved efficiency), and develop cost-effective solutions, while also managing alongside Finance team budget and project expenses to stay within budgetary limits. Develop detailed project plans, identifying deliverables, assumptions, constraints, and dependencies. Manage and implement project plans, track progress, and address issues proactively to ensure successful completion. - - - Coordinate and evaluate project timelines, updating plans based on changes in scope, delays, opportunities, and risks. Facilitate the preparation of Business Requirements Documents and initiate the design phase. Ensure operational readiness and smooth transition to business-as-usual functions. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management - Fast-track teams through the forming, storming, norming, performing cycle. - - - Facilitate collaborative decision-making, ensuring quality outcomes and alignment with business objectives. Lead meetings to keep stakeholders informed about progress, resources, and challenges, ensuring prompt resolution of issues. Foster team motivation and encourage innovative solutions. Experience & Skills Minimum Qualifications - Minimum of bachelor's degree - Certification in PM delivery e.g. Prince2, PMP, Agile, Scrum preferred Minimum Experience - Minimum of 5 years' experience in project management and cross functional project management experience, with a focus on school openings or similar large-scale projects. Job Specific Knowledge & Skills - Excellent communication in English, both verbal and written. - Demonstrated competency in project management and the execution of complex projects, critical to the delivery of business strategies and goals. - Ability to think ahead and anticipate changes and respond accordingly - Proactive and prepared at all times, ready to provide information to senior management at short notice - Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business. - Ability to work in a fast moving and, at times, intense environment - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and manage conflicts effectively. - Demonstrated business and commercial acumen to identify opportunities for additional value to the business. - Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities. - Ability to prioritize effectively and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment. - Commitment to the organization's values and ethics to support a value-focused culture. - Commercial acumen and experience with third-party vendor management. - Strong understanding of various project management methodologies (agile, scrum, waterfall).