Vice President - Group PMO (Secondment to Client)

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 executionFoster team development

Reviews and adjusts team structure and hiring needs with HR regularly to

ensure 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