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Senior Manager – Project Management - PIOC - Job Opportunity at Abu Dhabi Ports

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 3, 2025
On-site
Based on the senior management level, UAE location, and port industry context, the total compensation package likely ranges from AED 350,000 to AED 500,000 annually (approximately USD 95,000 to USD 136,000), including base salary, performance bonuses, and benefits typical for multinational corporations in the UAE.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with international port operations and strategic partnerships across global markets
Leadership role in high-impact strategic initiatives with direct influence on company's international expansion
Professional development through complex project management and cross-functional collaboration
Exposure to merger and acquisition activities and world-class integration practices

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic customer engagement and lead PIOC integration strategies to strengthen competitive positioning in the global port industry
Orchestrate comprehensive project management lifecycle including planning, budgeting, timeline management, and process optimization to ensure operational excellence
Lead critical tender evaluation processes and technical requirement verification to secure strategic business opportunities
Conduct post-project market analysis and performance evaluation to identify growth opportunities and drive continuous improvement
Deliver executive-level reporting to PIOC Management and International Office to support strategic decision-making
Optimize project governance frameworks and implement risk management strategies to ensure successful project delivery
Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to project teams while fostering cross-departmental collaboration
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders including shipping lines, government agencies, and industry associations
Develop and execute world-class integration practices for international port acquisitions and joint venture portfolio management

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Strategic Management, Engineering or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

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

Required Skills

Proficiency in English language, Arabic language is an added advantage Experience in Ports Management and Operations / Logistics, Project Management A proven track record of successfully managing complex projects in a fast-paced environment Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to motivate and inspire a team to achieve common goals A solid understanding of risk management principles and experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks Experience in working across functions and departments to deliver projects, with a focus on building effective relationships and fostering collaboration Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, able to understand complex data and information and to use this to inform project decisions

Certifications

Project Management certification is preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global port industry is experiencing rapid digitalization and automation, driving demand for project managers who can integrate technology solutions with traditional port operations. This transformation requires professionals who understand both operational excellence and digital innovation strategies. Middle Eastern ports are positioning themselves as global trade hubs, particularly in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative and shifting global supply chains. This creates significant opportunities for senior project managers who can navigate international partnerships and complex integration projects. Sustainability and environmental compliance are becoming critical factors in port operations, requiring project managers to incorporate ESG considerations into strategic planning and execution processes.

Role Significance

Typically manages a cross-functional team of 8-15 professionals including project coordinators, business analysts, and technical specialists, while collaborating with multiple departments and external stakeholders across international markets.
This is a senior management position with significant strategic responsibility, reporting directly to PIOC Management and International Office. The role combines operational project management with strategic business development, indicating substantial decision-making authority and influence on company direction.

Key Projects

International port acquisition and integration projects involving complex stakeholder management and regulatory compliance Strategic partnership development initiatives with major shipping lines and government entities Post-merger integration projects for newly acquired port facilities and joint ventures Digital transformation initiatives to modernize port operations and enhance competitive positioning

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to navigate complex international business environments and build relationships with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, shipping companies, and industry associations Strong financial acumen and strategic thinking capabilities to evaluate investment opportunities, manage budgets, and drive profitable growth in competitive markets Exceptional communication and leadership skills to manage cross-cultural teams and facilitate collaboration between multiple departments and external partners Deep understanding of port operations, logistics, and supply chain management combined with project management expertise to deliver complex infrastructure and technology initiatives

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior project management professionals in the Middle East port and logistics sector, driven by significant infrastructure investments, port expansion projects, and the region's strategic position in global trade routes.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic thinking and business development capabilities are essential because this role requires identifying growth opportunities, evaluating market conditions, and developing partnerships that directly impact the company's international expansion strategy Cross-cultural communication and relationship management skills are crucial given the international nature of port operations and the need to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse cultural and business backgrounds Financial analysis and project evaluation expertise is critical for managing complex budgets, evaluating acquisition opportunities, and ensuring profitable project outcomes in a competitive industry Risk management and mitigation planning abilities are vital due to the complexity of international projects, regulatory requirements, and the significant financial investments involved in port operations

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and technology integration knowledge would be valuable as the port industry increasingly adopts automation, IoT, and data analytics solutions to improve operational efficiency Sustainability and environmental compliance expertise is becoming increasingly important as ports face growing pressure to reduce environmental impact and meet international sustainability standards Merger and acquisition experience would be highly beneficial given the role's involvement in integration projects and the port industry's ongoing consolidation trends Government relations and regulatory affairs knowledge would enhance effectiveness in dealing with the complex regulatory environment of international port operations

Unique Aspects

The role offers direct involvement in Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to become a global logistics hub, providing exposure to high-level government and international business relationships that are rare in traditional project management positions
Unique opportunity to work on port integration projects and merger & acquisition activities, which provides valuable experience in complex international business transactions and strategic planning
The position combines traditional project management with business development and strategic partnership responsibilities, offering a broader scope than typical project management roles
Access to cutting-edge port technology and innovation initiatives, including smart port development and sustainability projects that are shaping the future of the industry

Career Growth

Progression to executive-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior managers, particularly those who successfully deliver major international projects and demonstrate strong business development capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Vice President of International Operations or Strategic Development within Abu Dhabi Ports or similar port authorities Chief Operating Officer roles in mid-sized port management companies or logistics organizations Senior Director positions in major shipping lines or global logistics companies Independent consulting roles specializing in port development and international trade infrastructure

Company Overview

Abu Dhabi Ports

Abu Dhabi Ports is one of the region's premier port operators and a key player in the UAE's economic diversification strategy. The company manages multiple world-class port facilities and has been actively expanding its international presence through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, positioning itself as a major hub for global trade.

Abu Dhabi Ports holds a strong competitive position in the Middle East port industry, with significant government backing and strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. The company competes directly with other major regional port operators while maintaining its focus on becoming a global logistics hub.
The company plays a crucial role in the UAE's position as a global trade gateway, with strong connections to Asian, European, and African markets. This regional significance provides substantial growth opportunities and strategic importance for senior management roles.
The organization typically maintains a professional, multicultural work environment that reflects the international nature of the port industry. Employees can expect exposure to global business practices, diverse teams, and significant opportunities for professional development in a rapidly growing sector.
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