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Project Manager - Job Opportunity at John Wood Group

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Executive
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
USD 180,000 - 250,000 per year plus performance bonuses and equity participation. This estimate reflects the executive-level responsibilities, 20+ years experience requirement, Abu Dhabi location premium, and Wood Group's position as a major international engineering firm. The role's scope managing large-scale EPCm projects and direct vendor relationships with major suppliers justifies top-tier compensation in the regional market.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance covering both inpatient and outpatient care, providing superior healthcare security compared to basic industry packages
Group life and personal accident insurance offering enhanced financial protection for employees and their families
End of service gratuity aligned with UAE Labor Law, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing additional financial security
Employee Share Plan with company matching, allowing direct participation in Wood's financial success and long-term wealth building
Long Service Award program recognizing employee loyalty with milestone celebrations every 5 years, demonstrating superior employee retention focus
Tailored professional development plans offering personalized career advancement opportunities beyond standard training programs
Global connections providing access to industry-leading experts and international project exposure
Energy Transition Academy membership offering specialized knowledge sharing in emerging energy systems and future-focused skill development
Competitive remuneration package with regular market-aligned reviews ensuring above-market compensation positioning
Access to meaningful high-profile projects across the energy sector providing exceptional career portfolio development

Key Responsibilities

Define strategic project objectives and create comprehensive roadmaps that align with organizational goals and drive successful project outcomes
Secure and optimize critical resources while managing multi-million dollar budgets to ensure maximum project efficiency and profitability
Lead and inspire diverse, high-performing project teams while establishing streamlined communication protocols and resolving complex conflicts
Identify and mitigate potential project risks through sophisticated risk management strategies and contingency planning
Monitor project progress through advanced KPI tracking systems and provide executive-level reporting to key stakeholders
Ensure all project deliverables exceed quality standards and meet precise client specifications
Maintain strategic communication with high-level stakeholders to ensure project alignment and proactive issue resolution
Promote and enforce comprehensive safety culture ensuring full compliance with international safety and environmental regulations
Oversee large-scale EPCm operations ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and regional objectives
Establish and maintain critical relationships with major clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within EPCm framework to enhance operational efficiency and competitive advantage
Recruit, train, and mentor project teams while fostering collaborative high-performance culture
Develop and maintain complex project schedules and budgets ensuring timely completion and strict cost control
Manage critical equipment orders from major suppliers including Siemens, Baker Hughes, Atlas Copco and Elliott
Oversee critical long-lead items including ACID gas blowers, Boilers, HRSGs and Steam turbines
Conduct vendor site visits and on-site execution management to ensure effective package management
Implement comprehensive project monitoring and reporting systems focusing on cost, scope, quality and schedule performance
Oversee commercial and financial management including revenue delivery, margin management and cash collection optimization
Lead change management negotiations with clients following established processes for scope, cost and schedule modifications
Pursue innovation opportunities including digitalization and advanced technology integration to enhance project value
Establish and maintain project management software systems ensuring team training and support
Lead health, safety, security and environmental initiatives with proactive programs and audit schedules
Participate in assurance activities and peer reviews ensuring project integrity and compliance with best practices

Requirements

Education

University degree (bachelors or masters) in relevant discipline or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience

Experience

Minimum of 20 years of experience in project management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role on large-scale EPC and EPCM projects in the oil and gas sector

Required Skills

Extensive broad and deep project management experience in relevant industry sector(s) Significant experience with multiple project delivery types including frameworks, portfolios, pre-FEED, FEED, EPC and EPCM Extensive experience and understanding of project execution tools, processes and procedures Expert level ability to build and lead a team of technical people, actively supporting, encouraging and engaging those reporting to the position A thorough understanding of strategic and change management with the ability to translate this into appropriate goals, methodologies and strategies for implementation Strong organizational and time management skills; able to effectively manage within tight time frames, to prioritize, and delegate appropriately Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to present, inform, and persuade at all levels and externally Strong leadership and team management skills Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure High level of integrity and professionalism Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP), associate in project management (APM) or equivalent certification is preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The oil and gas industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation with the accelerating energy transition, creating high demand for project managers who can navigate both traditional hydrocarbon projects and emerging low-carbon technologies. This shift requires professionals who understand decarbonization strategies, electrification initiatives, and sustainable energy solutions while maintaining expertise in conventional EPC/EPCm delivery models. Digital transformation and advanced technology integration are becoming critical differentiators in project management, with companies increasingly seeking leaders who can implement digitalization strategies, advanced analytics, and innovative project delivery methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in an increasingly competitive market. The Middle East energy sector is experiencing significant investment in both traditional oil and gas infrastructure and renewable energy projects, driven by national diversification strategies and global energy security concerns. This creates exceptional opportunities for senior project managers with EPCm expertise who can deliver complex, large-scale projects in challenging regulatory and operational environments. Supply chain resilience and vendor management have become paramount following recent global disruptions, making expertise in managing critical equipment suppliers and long-lead items increasingly valuable. Project managers who can effectively coordinate with major suppliers like Siemens, Baker Hughes, and Atlas Copco while maintaining schedule and budget discipline are in high demand.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 50-150+ professionals including engineers, procurement specialists, construction managers, and technical experts. The role involves both direct reports and matrix management across multiple disciplines, requiring sophisticated leadership and coordination capabilities to ensure effective project delivery.
This is a senior executive-level position with significant strategic impact, reporting directly to Project Director and Senior Project Manager while overseeing multi-million dollar projects and managing complex stakeholder relationships. The role carries full P&L responsibility and requires executive-level decision-making authority across all aspects of project delivery, from strategic planning to operational execution.

Key Projects

Large-scale upstream oil and gas development projects involving complex processing facilities, pipeline infrastructure, and offshore platforms requiring comprehensive EPCm delivery Midstream infrastructure projects including gas processing plants, compression stations, and distribution networks with significant regulatory and environmental compliance requirements Energy transition initiatives incorporating carbon capture, electrification, and renewable energy integration within traditional oil and gas operations International projects requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions, regulatory frameworks, and cultural contexts while maintaining consistent quality and safety standards

Success Factors

Demonstrated expertise in managing complex EPCm projects from initiation through completion, with proven ability to deliver on-time, within-budget outcomes while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards in challenging operational environments Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities enabling effective coordination between high-level clients, regulatory bodies, major equipment suppliers, and internal teams while maintaining strategic alignment and addressing complex technical and commercial issues Advanced risk management and contingency planning skills essential for identifying potential project disruptions and implementing proactive mitigation strategies that protect project objectives and organizational interests Strong commercial acumen and financial management expertise required for optimizing project profitability, managing complex budgets, and making strategic decisions that balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives Leadership excellence in building, motivating, and developing high-performing technical teams while fostering collaborative culture and maintaining safety-first mindset across all project activities Innovation mindset and technology integration capabilities essential for implementing digitalization strategies and advanced project management tools that enhance efficiency and competitive advantage

Market Demand

Very High - Executive-level project managers with extensive EPCm experience in oil and gas are critically sought after, particularly those with Middle East experience and expertise in energy transition projects. The combination of traditional project management skills with emerging energy technologies creates exceptional market positioning.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

EPCm project management expertise is absolutely essential as it represents the core delivery methodology for large-scale energy projects, requiring deep understanding of engineering, procurement, and construction management integration to ensure successful project outcomes in complex operational environments Strategic stakeholder management capabilities are crucial for navigating the complex relationships between major clients, regulatory bodies, equipment suppliers, and internal teams while maintaining alignment and addressing competing interests and priorities Financial and commercial management skills are critical for optimizing project profitability, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and making strategic decisions that balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives while maintaining competitive positioning Advanced risk management and contingency planning abilities are essential for identifying potential project disruptions and implementing proactive mitigation strategies that protect project objectives and organizational interests in challenging operational environments Leadership excellence and team management capabilities are fundamental for building, motivating, and developing high-performing technical teams while fostering collaborative culture and maintaining safety-first mindset across all project activities

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and advanced technology integration skills are increasingly valuable as the industry adopts new tools and methodologies to enhance project efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making capabilities Energy transition knowledge and experience with decarbonization initiatives provide significant competitive advantage as the industry evolves toward sustainable energy solutions and low-carbon technologies International project experience and cultural competency enhance effectiveness in managing global projects and working with diverse teams across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks Innovation mindset and continuous improvement capabilities enable identification and implementation of new methodologies and technologies that enhance project value and competitive positioning Advanced communication and presentation skills are beneficial for executive-level interactions, client relationship management, and strategic business development activities

Unique Aspects

Direct management of critical equipment orders from major global suppliers including Siemens, Baker Hughes, Atlas Copco, and Elliott, providing exceptional exposure to cutting-edge technology and strategic vendor relationships that are highly valued in the industry
Comprehensive involvement in energy transition initiatives, positioning the role at the forefront of the industry's evolution toward sustainable energy solutions while maintaining expertise in traditional oil and gas operations
Access to Wood Group's Energy Transition Academy, providing specialized knowledge and networking opportunities in emerging energy systems and future-focused technologies that enhance long-term career prospects
Opportunity to work on high-profile projects for major international energy companies, building a portfolio of significant achievements that establish industry credibility and open doors to executive-level opportunities
Combination of strategic leadership responsibilities with hands-on technical involvement, including vendor site visits and on-site execution management, providing comprehensive project experience that is highly valued in the market

Career Growth

Progression to Regional Project Director or VP level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the executive nature of current role and demonstrated performance in large-scale project delivery. Advancement to C-suite or Managing Director positions generally requires 5-8 years of continued success in progressively broader leadership roles.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Project Director overseeing multiple large-scale projects across the Middle East and North Africa region with full P&L responsibility for major client relationships and strategic business development Vice President of Operations leading comprehensive business unit operations including project portfolio management, resource allocation, and strategic planning for major international markets Managing Director or Country Manager responsible for overall business performance, client relationships, and market development in key geographic regions Chief Operating Officer or Executive Vice President roles in major engineering and construction companies, providing strategic leadership for global operations and business development

Company Overview

John Wood Group

Wood Group is a globally recognized leader in consulting and engineering services, operating in 60 countries with approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. The company has established itself as a premier provider of integrated solutions across the energy sector, with particular strength in oil and gas upstream and midstream operations, and growing expertise in energy transition and decarbonization initiatives.

Wood Group maintains a strong market position as one of the world's leading engineering and consulting firms, with a reputation for delivering complex, large-scale projects for major national and international energy companies. The company's proven delivery model and extensive experience provide competitive advantages in securing high-value contracts and maintaining long-term client relationships.
The Abu Dhabi office represents a strategic regional hub for Wood Group's Middle East operations, serving major national oil companies and international energy firms operating in the region. This location provides access to some of the world's largest and most complex energy projects, offering exceptional career development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
Wood Group fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture that emphasizes safety, excellence, and sustainability while supporting professional development and career advancement. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its global reach and technical expertise, creates an environment where high-performing professionals can make significant contributions to transformative energy projects.
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