Manager - Program

About This Role

The Senior Programme Manager will manage and lead multidisciplinary 3rd party project delivery team on large scale project(s) for the Maritime Innovation.

Responsibilities: The key functions of the Senior Programme Manager include:

1) Program Management:

a) Oversight of projects within the programme.

b) Manage end-to-end program delivery including planning, timelines, budgets, resources, and stakeholder coordination.

c) Implement program governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and consistent execution.

d) Track program outcomes, KPIs, and ROI, ensuring initiatives translate into tangible business value.

e) Drive cross-functional collaboration to scale successful pilots into operational business solutions.

2) Innovation and Investment Strategy:

a) Build portfolio targeting new age technology to add capabilities to Cluster.

b) Develop detailed investment and partnership business cases, including financial projections and strategic fit.

c) Source, evaluate, and execute investment opportunities in startups aligned with strategic priorities.

d) Lead or support deal structuring, term sheet development, and due diligence on investment negotiations.

e) Monitor portfolio performance and provide strategic guidance to invested companies.

f) Build and manage a robust pipeline of startups across relevant sectors

3) Project Planning & Management:

a) Management of Project delivery teams to ensuring compliance with timelines and identify risks early. Take ownership of Project Deliveries.

b) Management and oversight of commercial elements of the project per assignment.

c) Oversight of the correct implementation of project planning and strategies as required.

4) Program Procurement:

a) Procurement of 3rd party delivery teams.

b) Oversight of the procurement of all contractors, suppliers, and consultants.

c) Ensuring compliance with Group procurement governance.

d) Obtaining all necessary approvals for the award of contracts.

5) Project Execution:

a) Oversight of design, engineering, and construction activities.

b) Ensuring timely stakeholder engagement throughout the project.

c) Compliance of all design and construction activities with Group and external governance.

d) Compliance with all portfolio policies, procedures, and processes.

e) Management of all required stakeholder engagement within country.

6) Portfolio Management:

a) Actively manage the corporate venture portfolio, tracking financial and strategic performance of investments.

b) Establish portfolio KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks for leadership visibility.

c) Engage with portfolio companies to drive synergies, commercial partnerships, and value creation.

d) Support follow-on investment decisions, exits, and portfolio optimization strategies.

e) Identify risks and underperformance, recommending corrective actions or divestment where necessary.

7) Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

a) Establish and manage partnerships with startups, accelerators, incubators, venture capital firms, and innovation hubs.

b) Design and implement collaboration models (e.g., pilots, joint ventures, co-development agreements).

1) The key managerial (Program Leadership & Governance) responsibilities include:

a) Lead end-to-end management of programs.

b) Establish program governance structures, including milestones, stage gates, and decision frameworks.

c) Manage program timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plans.

d) Coordinate cross-functional teams (strategy, finance, operations, legal, business units) to ensure seamless execution.

e) Build and maintain reporting dashboards to track progress, KPIs, and overall program health.

f) Ensure effective stakeholder communication, including regular updates to senior leadership and investment committees.

2) The key technical responsibilities (Execution & Evaluation) include:

a) Oversight of overall programme and monitor progress to ensure that key milestones are being met across all projects.

b) Escalation of key risks and issues to project success to the relevant parties.

c) Design and implement standardized processes for startup scouting, evaluation, and onboarding into programs.

d) Conduct due diligence (market, financial, operational) to support program selection and investment decisions.

e) Support structuring and execution of pilot projects, proof-of-concepts, and co-development initiatives.

f) Track performance of startups and internal innovation projects through defined success metrics.

g) Oversee portfolio tracking tools, ensuring accurate performance monitoring and reporting.

h) Support investment processes including business case development, financial modeling, and documentation.

3) The key strategic (Impact & Scaling) responsibilities include:

a) Align programs with corporate strategy and business unit priorities.

b) Identify opportunities to scale successful pilots into full business implementations.

c) Develop frameworks to measure ROI, strategic impact, and value creation.

d) Optimize the portfolio by prioritizing high-impact initiatives and reallocating resources as needed.

e) Build and strengthen relationships with ecosystem partners to enhance program quality.

f) 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