Programme Manager

Programme Manager - Kuwait - Emerging Technology - Defence - Maritime 2 Stage Interview Process - Global IT systems - £140,000 - £160,000 Per year - Permanent role - Expat or relocator Yolk Recruitment are currently working closely with a Global Leader within the Maritime sector who are looking to hire a Programme Manager for an exciting project based in Kuwait. The UK maritime sector employs 185,000 people and contributes nearly £40 billion to the country's economy. If you're a Program Manager looking for a new challenge in an exciting and innovative business with a focus on cutting-edge technology and quality products, and are willing to be located in Kuwait for long periods, then this company could be the perfect fit for you. The Program Manager is to ensure the successful implementation of the MDA system. An MDA System is a complex mixture of sensor systems such as radars, cameras, and radio transceivers, vessel tracking devices, and a network of servers and monitoring consoles that all connect together as a single system. The implementation of a system typically requires a combination of infrastructure work, logistics, and IT systems (hardware & software). You will be expected to represent the company in-country to the end customer and work alongside the company's in-country installation partner to ensure full and complete system installation and commissioning. The role exists within the company's Systems Delivery Team and will report directly to the Head of Systems Delivery. You will be responsible for managing the In-Country Partner (ICP) to deliver, install, and commission Domain Awareness Systems. This is a hands-on role with the following responsibilities:

• Work directly with and manage end customers and ICP in the field (Kuwait) to manage and drive the project delivery plan, ensuring quality of delivery within the cost and time parameters set by the Head of Systems Delivery.
• Ensure that ICP works in strict accordance with the systems delivery methods, providing training and ongoing guidance and support to ensure successful installation and commissioning of the entire system.
• Ensure a holistic project implementation approach such that the finished system installation meets both the contracted specifications and inevitable small finishing details are not missed to ensure complete end customer satisfaction.
• Work with the Delivery Department and ICP to develop and continuously maintain accurate project plans and delivery to budget.
• Frequent visits to customer sites to review and manage activities, progress, and maintain alignment in understanding of the project status, and to communicate and agree any changes in the project plan.
• Manage and oversee the construction, installation, and configuration work done by ICP and 3rd parties.
• Arrange training for customers and ICP, liaising with the Delivery Team to ensure delivery of training according to the agreed plan and contract requirements.
• Provide clear and concise updates and reports to management on status, progress, and potential risks and issues to the successful delivery of the project.

• Minimum 10 years' experience as a project manager for similar multi-site IT systems - ideally communication-based infrastructure.
• Experience of managing civil projects would be beneficial.
• International project execution experience. The successful candidate will be required to live and work in Kuwait for a period of up to two years.
• Have an engineering and/or IT networking background and/or qualification.
• Previous extensive experience of managing remote civil engineering projects (executed by ICP).
• Proficient user of Microsoft Project.
• Capable of understanding systems drawings down to installation design drawings (racks, servers, cameras, radar, civil work).
• Able to diplomatically influence without authority.
• An ability to empathize and understand different cultures to flex approach whilst ensuring the target job is achieved.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to apply common sense.
• Willingness to travel anywhere in the world for extended periods.
• Willingness to work on-site with customers in a hands-on capacity when needed.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with customers at all levels of seniority.
• Must be well-organized, self-sufficient with excellent communication and man management skills.
• Demonstrable experience of pro-active Risk Management and mitigation.