Manager - Program

Job Description

Responsibilities

• The key functions of the Senior Programme Manager include:
• Program Management:
• Oversight of projects within the programme.
• Manage end-to-end program delivery including planning, timelines, budgets, resources, and stakeholder coordination.
• Implement program governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and consistent execution.
• Track program outcomes, KPIs, and ROI, ensuring initiatives translate into tangible business value.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to scale successful pilots into operational business solutions.
• Innovation and Investment Strategy:
• Build portfolio targeting new age technology to add capabilities to Cluster.
• Develop detailed investment and partnership business cases, including financial projections and strategic fit.
• Source, evaluate, and execute investment opportunities in startups aligned with strategic priorities.
• Lead or support deal structuring, term sheet development, and due diligence on investment negotiations.
• Monitor portfolio performance and provide strategic guidance to invested companies.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of startups across relevant sectors

• Project Planning & Management

• Management of Project delivery teams to ensuring compliance with timelines and identify risks early. Take ownership of Project Deliveries.
• Management and oversight of commercial elements of the project per assignment.
• Oversight of the correct implementation of project planning and strategies as required.
• Program Procurement:
• Procurement of 3rd party delivery teams.
• Oversight of the procurement of all contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Ensuring compliance with Group procurement governance.
• Obtaining all necessary approvals for the award of contracts.
• Project Execution:
• Oversight of design, engineering, and construction activities.
• Ensuring timely stakeholder engagement throughout the project.
• Compliance of all design and construction activities with Group and external governance.
• Compliance with all portfolio policies, procedures, and processes.
• Management of all required stakeholder engagement within country.
• Portfolio Management:
• Actively manage the corporate venture portfolio, tracking financial and strategic performance of investments.
• Establish portfolio KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks for leadership visibility.
• Engage with portfolio companies to drive synergies, commercial partnerships, and value creation.
• Support follow-on investment decisions, exits, and portfolio optimization strategies.
• Identify risks and underperformance, recommending corrective actions or divestment where necessary.

• Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Establish and manage partnerships with startups, accelerators, incubators, venture capital firms, and innovation hubs.
• Design and implement collaboration models (e.g., pilots, joint ventures, co-development agreements).
• The key managerial (Program Leadership & Governance)

responsibilities

• include:
• Lead end-to-end management of programs.
• Establish program governance structures, including milestones, stage gates, and decision frameworks.
• Manage program timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (strategy, finance, operations, legal, business units) to ensure seamless execution.
• Build and maintain reporting dashboards to track progress, KPIs, and overall program health.
• Ensure effective stakeholder communication, including regular updates to senior leadership and investment committees.
• The key technical responsibilities (Execution & Evaluation) include:
• Oversight of overall programme and monitor progress to ensure that key milestones are being met across all projects.
• Escalation of key risks and issues to project success to the relevant parties.
• Design and implement standardized processes for startup scouting, evaluation, and onboarding into programs.
• Conduct due diligence (market, financial, operational) to support program selection and investment decisions.
• Support structuring and execution of pilot projects, proof-of-concepts, and co-development initiatives.
• Track performance of startups and internal innovation projects through defined success metrics.
• Oversee portfolio tracking tools, ensuring accurate performance monitoring and reporting.
• Support investment processes including business case development, financial modeling, and documentation.
• The key strategic (Impact & Scaling)

responsibilities

• include:
• Align programs with corporate strategy and business unit priorities.
• Identify opportunities to scale successful pilots into full business implementations.
• Develop frameworks to measure ROI, strategic impact, and value creation.
• Optimize the portfolio by prioritizing high-impact initiatives and reallocating resources as needed.
• Build and strengthen relationships with ecosystem partners to enhance program quality.
• Continuously refine program design based on insights, feedback, and evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (engineering, management, project management, etc.)
• PMP preferred
• Power BI essential to generate insights and user reports.
• Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, venture funding stages, and investment frameworks.
• English (Fluent and Professional)
• Arabic good to have.
• 15 years in Project Planning & Delivery of Digital projects
• 5 years in a Strategic role in consulting, innovation, program management
• 5 Experience in financial modelling, valuation techniques, and due diligence processes.
• Maritime and Shipping Ecosystem – Must Have
• Portfolio Management and Reporting Financial/ Non-Financial KPIs on projects.
• Global Experience in multiple countries preferred