About the Job
At the company, we specialize in building ventures and commercializing breakthrough technologies that emerge from advanced research. Our areas of focus include Aerospace and Space, Security and Defense, Sustainability, Environment and Energy, and Transportation. Our technological expertise spans Cryptography, Secure Systems, Directed Energy, Advanced Materials, Autonomous Systems, and more.
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The Program Director will be responsible for the comprehensive delivery of a large-scale Industry 4.0 transformation program aimed at designing, building, installing, and commissioning a next-generation, highly automated smart manufacturing facility in the UAE. This role serves as the single accountable delivery leader for the program installation, overseeing everything from design validation and factory acceptance to on-site installation, integration, commissioning, go-live, ramp-up, and operational stabilization.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning overall delivery accountability for the entire installation program across all solution packages: machining, assembly automation, robotics, intelligent storage, autonomous transport, and the digital/MES layer.
- Leading and coordinating over 10 OEMs and specialist suppliers to manage interfaces and dependencies for seamless end-to-end delivery.
- Managing the integrated master schedule, milestones, critical delivery path, and interface plan across all packages.
- Leading the on-site installation and integration processes while ensuring safety and compliance with schedules.
- Building and guiding a program delivery organization comprising Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, and PMO members.
- Overseeing program governance, including steering committee meetings and executive updates.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Manufacturing, Automation, or a related field.
- 12+ years managing large-scale industrial, automation, manufacturing, or infrastructure programs, with experience at program-director/delivery-lead level.
- Proven UAE-based delivery experience on comparable large-scale programs.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in importing and mobilizing complex capital equipment into the UAE.
- Experience working in secure environments with elevated compliance and clearance requirements.
- Strong knowledge of program governance, risk management, and delivery-assurance frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making capabilities.
- Familiarity with digital project management tools and methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, MES, and digital manufacturing programs.
- Exposure to robotics, IIoT, and AI-enabled manufacturing systems.
- Experience working in the aerospace or defense sectors.
- PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent program/project management certification.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is expected; proficiency in Arabic would be advantageous.
How To Apply
If you are ready to take on this exciting opportunity with the company, please send your resume detailing your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
