Programme Manager - Special Systems vacancy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (261jc)

My client, who is a major telecoms provider, is now seeking a Programme Manager - Special Systems for their operations in Saudi Arabia, you will be reporting to the Head of Special Systems

Primary Objectives & Functions:
• Primary responsibility for the project lifecycle from concept development, selection, design, delivery and implementation, system integration, testing and customer acceptance to the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
• Support the Head of Special Systems in the development of the Special Systems portfolio and programme management activities.
• Responsible to the Head of Special Systems for fulfilling the contractual responsibilities for the assigned projects and project profit and loss (P&L).
• Responsible for the project capture and definition of all new business opportunities in order to deliver annual business targets and margin within the Special Systems portfolio area.
• Responsible for the development, management, coordination and delivery of Special Systems projects ensuring that all project outputs are delivered within cost, time and quality metrics.
• Responsible for the systems integration and hand-over of projects to The Client’s Operations Team in accordance with defined standards.
• Liaise with all stakeholders to ensure effective management and execution of all assigned projects.
• Manage customer expectations through clear baseline specifications, accurate reporting and capturing variations through the project change control procedures.
• Deputy to Head of Special Systems.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Systems team is the primary interface to the customer (UK MOD and SANG) for all Special Systems project activities and is responsible for creating and delivering through-life, value for money solutions at minimal risk to the Company.
In addition to the primary objectives and functions, the following tasks shall be conducted on a regular basis:
• To deliver projects in line with customer’s key success criteria:
a. Produce, maintain and implement project management plans including schedules, documentation, configuration control and risk management with PMO.
b. Manage and coordinate the Clients acquisition process in order to deliver annual order intake targets as allocated.
c. Manage project resources to ensure all project documentation is produced in accordance to plans and quality, in particular SOR, SOW, ITT, CTP, ILS, ATP, SDD.
d. Manage, coordinate and produce outputs for all project reviews including gate reviews, design reviews, project risk and planning reviews as a minimum.
e. Ensure risks are defined, maintained, reported and mitigation plans are followed to reduced project risk and opportunities taken.
f. Ensure all projects follow thorough testing and acceptance practices in order to ensure project outputs meet customer requirements and standards.
g. Ensure all project financial milestones are delivered in accordance with agreed plans.
h. Coordinate with Managed Services for the delivery and handover of projects.
i. Apply the Company’s lifecycle management to all assigned projects.
j. Provide regular weekly project highlight reports to Head of Special Systems; manage project exceptions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Relationship Management:
a. Develop effective working relationships and trust with the customer and sub-contractors.
b. Act decisively and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
c. Company representative at customer facing project reviews and governance meetings.
d. Work with the customer to fully understand customer requirements in order to deliver project outputs.
e. Ensure reports and reviews are produced for all project and portfolio tasks and activities.

• Business Delivery:
a. Support the Head of Special Systems in the production of customer reports including weekly Technical Committee, monthly programme delivery working group and quarterly reports.
b. Capture and produce lessons throughout the project lifecycle in order to improve Company processes and procedures.
c. Coordinate with department / functional heads, resource owners and PMO to ensure sufficient resources are allocated.
d. Coordinate with the all departments to ensure delivery of project milestones and approvals.
e. Anticipate and proactively to manage all project activities, milestones and financial targets

Contact with Others (Internal/External/Meetings):
The SPM is an essential representational role for the Company. The post-holder will be expected to manage effective business relationships with a wide stakeholder group including officers from the SANG and the UK MOD, together with international suppliers and sub-contractors at senior management level.

Internally:
• Daily contact with project personnel, including support departments.
• Weekly project and programme meetings.
• Regular contact at all other levels within the Company.
Externally:
• Regular contact with UK MoD ICS project / portfolio personnel.
• Weekly project reviews, technical committee and monthly workgroup.
• Potential high level of contact with the SANG personnel at NGHQ and NGSS
• Potential high level of contact with supplier and sub-contractors on a weekly basis.

Judgement/Decision Making Authority (Specific Responsibilities):
Empowered to commit the company within appropriate delegated financial limits.

Recruitment Specification (Knowledge & Experience):
Essential:
• A minimum of 5 years, with demonstrative evidence, of a background in delivering Electronic Warfare projects/programmes (with experience in a civilian capacity).
• Experience and understanding of operational Electronic Warfare.
• Proven track record of delivering other successful projects in the defence and security environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
• Sound understanding of project management and commercial practices.
• Sound knowledge and experience of managing budgets and resources.
• Holds a recognised Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, APMP).
• Excellent communications skills and be highly computer literate in the range of MS Office products.
• Demonstrable and proven record of effective liaison and communication with customers and suppliers.
• Demonstrable and proven record of management reporting to deadlines.
• Be solution oriented, self-motivated and innovative in approach to problem solving and be committed to providing high quality outputs.
• Possess a valid driving license from country of origin.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Hold a valid driving license.

Desirable:
• Experience of working in the Middle East (preferably Saudi Arabia) desirable.
• Experience of coordinating installation design or turnkey projects.
• Business experience in the Defence Sector.
• Experience in major military integration projects.

As this role is based in Saudi Arabia, candidates must meet all of the minimum qualifications as they are not bound by UK or EU Laws, also only individuals up to the age of 55 will be considered for any of these roles.

In return they are offering an excellent salary and benefits package for accompanied or unaccompanied personnel and of course the benefits package will be UK Tax Free, and due to the nature of this role, it is only open to UK or Saudi Nationals only.