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Manager - Product Development - Job Opportunity at Abu Dhabi Ports

Abu Dhabi, AE

Full-time

Senior

Posted: August 21, 2025

On-site

AED 420,000 - 550,000 per year (USD 114,000 - 150,000). This estimate reflects the senior management level, UAE government sector premium, specialized ports/logistics industry experience, and Abu Dhabi's competitive market for technical leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic stakeholder collaboration to transform complex business requirements into scalable technical architectures that deliver measurable business value and competitive advantage

Lead enterprise-level software development initiatives while establishing quality frameworks that ensure long-term maintainability and operational excellence across product portfolios

Execute comprehensive code review processes that elevate team standards and minimize technical debt while accelerating delivery timelines

Architect next-generation software solutions with strategic technology stack decisions that position the organization for future growth and market leadership

Resolve mission-critical production issues through expert technical problem-solving that maintains system reliability and customer satisfaction

Establish comprehensive technical documentation standards that enable knowledge transfer, reduce onboarding time, and support regulatory compliance requirements

Orchestrate cross-functional development teams to deliver high-impact projects on schedule while optimizing resource allocation and stakeholder satisfaction

Foster strategic partnerships with product management, QA, and infrastructure teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives

Develop high-performing technical talent through structured mentoring programs that increase team capability and reduce turnover costs

Provide visionary technical leadership that establishes industry best practices and drives architectural decisions supporting long-term business strategy

Lead market intelligence initiatives to identify emerging technology trends and customer needs that inform product roadmap and competitive positioning

Implement comprehensive risk management frameworks that proactively identify and mitigate potential technical and business liabilities

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Marketing, Engineering or related field; Master's degree is a plus

Experience

A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a similar role

Required Skills

Excellent English. Arabic is an added advantage Preferred experience in Ports and Logistics, UAE Govt. Sector in leadership/Managerial Role Extensive hands-on experience in software development, showcasing proficiency in multiple programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies Proven leadership skills with a successful track record of managing and leading software development teams Architectural expertise, including the ability to make informed decisions on technology stack, frameworks, and design patterns Strong project management skills, understanding project principles, and effectively coordinating tasks for timely delivery In-depth knowledge of quality assurance processes, conducting thorough code reviews, and ensuring code quality, scalability, and maintainability Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, fostering effective collaboration with stakeholders and cross-functional teams Experience mentoring and coaching team members to encourage their professional growth and create a collaborative and innovative team culture Commitment to continuous learning, staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies Willingness to adapt and learn new technologies as needed for the role

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The ports and logistics industry is experiencing rapid digital transformation driven by the need for operational efficiency, real-time visibility, and autonomous operations. Smart port initiatives are becoming critical for maintaining competitive advantage, with technologies like IoT sensors, AI-powered predictive analytics, and blockchain-based supply chain transparency becoming industry standards. Government sector digitization in the UAE is accelerating under Vision 2071 and the UAE Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, creating substantial demand for senior technical leaders who can bridge traditional infrastructure with cutting-edge technology solutions. The maritime technology sector is witnessing increased investment in port automation, digital twin technologies, and integrated logistics platforms, driving demand for product development managers who can navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering innovative solutions.

Role Significance

Likely managing 15-25 technical professionals across multiple development teams, including software engineers, architects, QA specialists, and potentially external vendor relationships, with indirect influence over broader cross-functional teams.

Senior executive-level position with significant organizational impact, combining strategic technical leadership with people management responsibilities across multiple business functions. This role influences product direction, technology architecture, and team development at an enterprise scale.

Key Projects

Implementation of next-generation port management systems integrating IoT, AI, and real-time analytics for operational optimization Development of digital platforms supporting smart port initiatives and automated cargo handling systems Architecture and deployment of customer-facing digital services for port users, shipping companies, and logistics providers Integration projects connecting port systems with national trade facilitation platforms and international shipping networks

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex government sector requirements while maintaining agility in technology delivery, balancing regulatory compliance with innovation speed Deep understanding of ports and logistics operations combined with modern software development practices to create solutions that address real operational challenges Strong stakeholder management skills to coordinate between technical teams, business units, government entities, and external partners in a highly regulated environment Strategic thinking capability to align product development with long-term digital transformation goals while delivering immediate business value Cultural intelligence and language skills to operate effectively in the UAE's multicultural business environment while understanding local market dynamics

Market Demand

High demand with limited supply. The combination of ports industry expertise, senior technical leadership experience, and UAE market knowledge creates a highly specialized talent pool, particularly for roles requiring both technical depth and government sector experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Software architecture and system design expertise is fundamental as this role shapes technology platforms that must handle massive scale, integrate with international systems, and support mission-critical operations where downtime directly impacts global trade flows. Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills are essential for coordinating between diverse groups including government officials, international partners, technical teams, and business units, each with distinct priorities and communication styles. Deep understanding of software development lifecycle and quality assurance processes is crucial as port systems require extremely high reliability, security, and performance standards that exceed typical commercial applications. Strategic thinking and market analysis capabilities are vital for ensuring product development aligns with rapidly evolving industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics in the global logistics sector.

Beneficial Skills

Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding enhance effectiveness in stakeholder relationships and provide career advancement advantages in the UAE government and business sectors. International business experience and understanding of global trade regulations add significant value when developing systems that must comply with multiple jurisdictions and integrate with international shipping networks. Agile methodology expertise and modern DevOps practices enable faster delivery cycles while maintaining quality standards, crucial for competing with international port operators and meeting evolving customer expectations. Data analytics and AI/ML knowledge become increasingly valuable as ports transition toward predictive maintenance, automated operations, and intelligent decision-making systems that optimize cargo flows and resource utilization.

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to influence critical national infrastructure development while building next-generation port technologies that impact regional and international trade flows

Direct involvement in UAE's Vision 2071 digital transformation initiatives, providing exposure to high-level government strategy and policy development processes

Leadership role in one of the world's most strategically important maritime hubs, offering global visibility and networking opportunities with international shipping and logistics leaders

Combination of cutting-edge technology development with tangible infrastructure impact, creating solutions that affect millions of tons of cargo and thousands of vessels annually

Career Growth

3-5 years to executive leadership roles given the specialized nature of the role and the rapid growth in UAE's digital infrastructure investments. The combination of government sector experience and ports industry expertise accelerates progression opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Technology Officer or Head of Digital Transformation at Abu Dhabi Ports or similar government entities Director of Product Development at major logistics companies or technology firms serving the maritime industry Senior consulting roles with international firms specializing in ports modernization and government digital transformation Entrepreneurial opportunities in maritime technology startups or establishing UAE operations for international port technology companies

Company Overview

Abu Dhabi Ports

Abu Dhabi Ports operates as a key economic enabler and catalyst for the UAE's trade and logistics sector, managing world-class port facilities and free zones. The organization plays a strategic role in Abu Dhabi's economic diversification plans and serves as a crucial gateway connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia trade routes.

Dominant position in the UAE ports sector with strong government backing and significant influence on regional trade flows. The company maintains strategic partnerships with international shipping lines and serves as a model for modern port operations in the Middle East region.

This role positions professionals at the center of Middle East trade digitization efforts, offering exposure to international maritime networks, government policy development, and regional economic development initiatives that extend beyond traditional corporate boundaries.

Professional environment balancing government sector stability with commercial agility, offering opportunities to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects while maintaining international business practices and standards. The culture emphasizes innovation within structured frameworks and long-term strategic thinking.

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Manager - Product Development - Job Opportunity at Abu Dhabi Ports

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Abu Dhabi Ports

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence