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Lead Project Manager - Job Opportunity at GE Vernova

Abu Dhabi, UAE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 27, 2025
Remote
Based on the senior-level requirements, UAE location, and specialized grid automation expertise required, the compensation package likely ranges from USD 120,000 to USD 180,000 annually, with additional benefits including housing allowance, transportation, and performance bonuses typical for multinational corporations operating in the Gulf region.

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategically critical grid automation projects across UAE and Gulf Countries, directly impacting regional energy infrastructure development and modernization initiatives
Drive revenue achievement through comprehensive project lifecycle management, ensuring turnover, operating income, sales, billing and cash targets align with business unit strategic objectives
Orchestrate timely delivery of grid automation projects within established frameworks while maintaining adherence to corporate value systems and ethical standards
Architect and implement operational excellence processes that enhance efficiency metrics, elevate customer satisfaction scores, and improve deliverable quality standards
Establish comprehensive project documentation and record-keeping systems that ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate knowledge transfer across the organization
Manage high-stakes customer relationships through strategic communication channels, ensuring contractual commitments are exceeded and long-term partnerships are strengthened
Generate executive-level reports utilizing advanced project management tools including MPR, T@IS, and Primavera to provide real-time visibility into project performance
Champion organizational quality assurance and environmental health safety policies, ensuring compliance improvements contribute to corporate risk mitigation strategies
Execute proactive risk management strategies by identifying potential project threats, developing comprehensive mitigation plans, and implementing innovative problem-solving approaches
Coordinate workplace safety initiatives and ensure optimal personal protective equipment availability for both internal teams and subcontracted personnel

Requirements

Education

Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related discipline

Experience

Minimum 8 year working experience in Grid Automation Project

Required Skills

Proficiency in English is a must and Arabic speaking is an advantage Previous Experience in executing complex projects related to TAQA, TRANSCO , ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Based utilities Have a working knowledge of commercial, contractual conditions, ideally in electrical power system or associate industries Experience of managing projects for protection and control systems is a distinct advantage Ability to read / interpret tender / contract documentation, schematics, procedures and policy guidelines Ability to define problems, collect relevant data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions Ability to work on multiple tasks and to meet strict deadlines, whilst working in a team Excellent leadership and stake holder management skills

Certifications

PMP or GE Equivalent experience is mandatory
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East energy sector is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by Vision 2030 initiatives across Gulf countries, creating massive demand for grid modernization and automation specialists who can navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering cutting-edge infrastructure solutions. Grid automation technology is becoming increasingly critical as regional utilities integrate renewable energy sources and smart grid capabilities, requiring project managers who understand both traditional power systems and emerging digital technologies to ensure seamless energy transition. The UAE's position as a regional energy hub is driving significant infrastructure investments, particularly in Abu Dhabi where major utilities like TAQA and TRANSCO are implementing large-scale automation projects that require experienced professionals familiar with local regulatory frameworks and cultural business practices.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 15-25 professionals including engineers, technicians, contractors, and support staff, while coordinating with multiple stakeholder groups across different organizational levels and external partner companies.
This is a senior leadership position requiring autonomous decision-making authority over multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, with direct accountability to executive leadership for revenue targets and strategic business outcomes across multiple Gulf markets.

Key Projects

Large-scale substation automation implementations for major utilities Smart grid integration projects involving advanced protection and control systems Cross-border power transmission infrastructure developments Renewable energy integration projects requiring grid modernization Emergency response and grid resilience enhancement initiatives

Success Factors

Deep understanding of Gulf region utility operations and regulatory frameworks is essential for navigating complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring project approvals proceed smoothly through local bureaucratic processes. Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining strict quality standards and deadline adherence, particularly crucial given the high-stakes nature of critical infrastructure projects that impact entire regional power grids. Strong cultural competency and language skills are vital for building trust with local utility partners and government officials, as successful project delivery often depends on effective relationship management across diverse cultural contexts. Technical expertise in both traditional power systems and modern automation technologies enables informed decision-making when balancing proven solutions with innovative approaches required for future-ready infrastructure. Financial acumen and commercial awareness are critical for managing project profitability while navigating complex contractual arrangements with government entities and state-owned utilities that may have unique procurement requirements.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for qualified grid automation project managers in the Gulf region, driven by substantial government infrastructure investments, energy diversification initiatives, and the scarcity of professionals with both technical expertise and regional utility experience, creating a highly competitive talent market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

PMP certification or equivalent project management expertise is absolutely essential given the complex, multi-stakeholder nature of infrastructure projects that require rigorous planning, risk management, and quality assurance processes to ensure successful delivery within strict regulatory and safety requirements. Regional utility experience with TAQA, TRANSCO, and ADNOC is critically important because these relationships represent years of trust-building and understanding of unique procurement processes, technical standards, and cultural expectations that cannot be quickly replicated by newcomers to the market. Grid automation and protection systems expertise is fundamental to the role since project managers must make informed technical decisions, communicate effectively with engineering teams, and ensure solutions meet both current operational requirements and future scalability needs. Stakeholder management and leadership capabilities are crucial for coordinating diverse teams while managing expectations of government officials, utility executives, and international partners who may have conflicting priorities and communication styles.

Beneficial Skills

Arabic language proficiency significantly enhances relationship-building capabilities and demonstrates cultural commitment that is highly valued by local partners and government officials throughout the region. Advanced degree in engineering or business provides additional credibility when interfacing with senior executives and technical leaders while offering deeper analytical capabilities for complex problem-solving situations. Experience with renewable energy integration projects becomes increasingly valuable as Gulf countries diversify their energy portfolios and require grid automation solutions that can accommodate variable renewable generation sources. Digital transformation and cybersecurity knowledge is growing in importance as grid automation systems become more connected and require protection against evolving cyber threats that could impact critical infrastructure.

Unique Aspects

Remote work flexibility combined with regional project leadership responsibilities offers an exceptional opportunity to maintain work-life balance while managing high-impact infrastructure projects across multiple Gulf countries.
Direct involvement with state-owned utilities and government entities provides unique exposure to strategic energy planning and policy development that shapes entire regional power systems and economic development initiatives.
Access to GE's global technology portfolio and R&D capabilities enables implementation of cutting-edge automation solutions that represent the forefront of grid modernization and smart energy management.
The role combines technical project management with business development opportunities, as successful delivery often leads to expanded contracts and long-term partnership agreements with major regional utilities.

Career Growth

Career advancement to executive leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing project managers, accelerated by the rapid growth of regional energy markets and limited availability of qualified senior talent.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Program Director overseeing multiple country operations and strategic business development initiatives Business Unit General Manager with P&L responsibility for entire Middle East operations Global Grid Solutions Director leading worldwide automation technology implementation Independent consulting practice specializing in Gulf region energy infrastructure development

Company Overview

GE Vernova

GE Vernova represents General Electric's dedicated energy transition business unit, focusing exclusively on power generation, grid solutions, and energy storage technologies that enable the global shift toward sustainable energy systems and grid modernization.

As a leading global energy technology company, GE Vernova leverages over a century of power industry expertise combined with cutting-edge digital solutions, positioning it as a premier partner for major utilities and governments implementing large-scale infrastructure transformation projects.
The company maintains significant presence across the Middle East with established relationships with major utilities and government entities, providing candidates with access to high-profile projects and extensive regional networking opportunities that can accelerate career development.
GE Vernova emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and safety leadership while maintaining strong commitments to ethical business practices and sustainable development, creating an environment where technical professionals can contribute to meaningful global energy transformation initiatives.
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