Automation Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the execution of complex power and automation projects from order confirmation to final delivery. This role handles high-value contracts, intricate technical configurations, and cross-functional coordination to ensure successful project on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

The Project Manager is effective in leading and managing projects from awarding of order, through implementation, testing and delivery. Ensuring customer project kick-off is completed within the agreed standard time frame from sales handover to initiation and project is completed within the time frame, with the requested quality and within the approved budgeted costs.

• Project Planning & Execution:
  • Lead the end-to-end execution of Switchgear & RTU projects with high BOM complexity and strategic importance.
  • Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations.
  • Monitor project progress, manage risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Customer & Stakeholder Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Conduct regular project reviews and status updates with clients.
  • Responsible for achieving each customer’s monthly targeted SIOP.
  • Follow up with customers for on time payment settlement/ issuance of LC on time/ issuance of PDC on time as per monthly target set.
  • Ensure alignment between customer expectations and internal capabilities
  • Manage the internal project team and work across functions to drive smooth and successful project delivery
• Technical & Commercial Oversight:
  • Responsible for the FAT of each customer’s order which requires inspection. Coordinate, arrange FAT and close out any comments from FAT to have a successful Dispatch Clearance.
  • Review and validate high-value quotations and technical specifications.
  • Coordinate with engineering, procurement, external suppliers and production teams to ensure feasibility and compliance.
  • Manage change orders, scope adjustments, and commercial negotiations.
• Cross-functional Coordination:
  • Collaborate with sales, order handling, logistics, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution.
  • Facilitate meetings to align on project milestones and deliverables including internal departments, customers, suppliers and sub-contractors.
  • Ensure timely documentation, invoicing, and project closure.
  • Serve as the technical liaison for automation-related aspects within assigned Switchgear / Automation projects.
  • Collaborate with the Automation software team to ensure smooth integration and deployment of solutions.
  • Review and validate technical configurations for automation projects in coordination with engineering.
  • Assist in BOM cost optimization related to automation components and subsystems.
  • Provide pre-sales technical guidance and product demonstrations when the automation scope is included.
  • Participate in customer training and seminars on automation solutions as needed.
• Reporting & Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate project records, including schedules, budgets, and communications.
  • Provide regular reports on project status, risks, and financial performance.
  • Support audits and post-project reviews.
  • High Customer Satisfaction

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• Candidate experienced in customer coordination, previously dealt with UAE Utilities would be added advantage.
• Require excellent communication skills in English; Arabic speaking would be an advantage
• Candidate must have valid UAE driving license and preferably own car.
• Candidate will handle sub-contractor coordination as required and necessary.
• Five to Ten years of experience in project management, preferably in electrical distribution or industrial equipment.
• Strong understanding of power and automation systems, electrical distribution networks, and BOM structures.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication, Interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills
• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Customer-centric and results-driven mindset

Responsibilities:
1) Process Design Engineering: Carry out a range of activities under the guidance of more senior colleagues to support the analysis of information and the specification of the methods and process steps, as well as the plant, machinery, and equipment, required to design and continuously improve manufacturing or materials processes and process systems.
2) Engineering Solutions Design: Contribute to the development of, and implement feasibility testing of, proposed engineering solutions to provide feedback and data to validate the design.
3) Engineering Standards Specification: Carry out a range of activities under the guidance of more senior colleagues to support the drafting of engineering standards and specifications and the evaluation of the effectiveness of those standards.
4) Engineering Inspections: Carry out inspections under the supervision of senior colleagues to evaluate the quality of engineering works and/or the integrity of existing installations or structures, and make recommendations to senior colleagues on the remedial works needed to ensure conformance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
5) Testing: Use product specifications to design test procedures and standards.
6) Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct research using primary data sources, and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends.
7) Improvement/Innovation: Identify shortcomings and suggest improvements to existing processes, systems, and procedures, then deliver a plan for a small element of a change management program with guidance from a project/program manager.
8) Recommendations: Advise others on how to design new processes and systems that meet professional standards.
9) Project Management: Work within an established project management plan to achieve specific goals.
10) Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Level

General Experience Requirement: Substantial general work experience together with comprehensive job related experience in own area of expertise to fully competent level. (Over 6 years to 10 years)

Managerial Experience Requirement: Basic experience of coordinating the work of others (4 to 6 months)