VP – Projects

Job description / Role

Principally a resource pool manager responsible for managing the project department and a team of project managers in the execution of projects/events using all available project management tools. This person will manage the long-term needs of the department by recruiting, developing and retaining world class project managers.

Expected to manage anything related to the efficiency, supply and quality of project management personnel and delivery.
Supply and allocate project managers based on demand forecast (resource plan) of all projects/events.
Manage the pool of resources effectively within the agreed headcount.
Ensure the project managers in the pool apply the company’s approach to project management.
Prevent and resolve issues regarding the efficacy, supply or quality of project team.
Recruit, retain/release, develop and reward the pool of project managers according to their performance.
Provide personal mentoring, development and support to project managers.
Provide training and education for the company’s approach to project management.
Develop and maintain the FLASH systemized approach to project management.
Monitor progress of all projects/events against plan, prepare portfolio forecast reports and alert on a portfolio basis the variances to senior management.
Assure the integration of services and products being delivered considering a portfolio approach to our projects/events:
- Scope: to confirm that duplication or omissions are minimized.
- Value: to provide assurance that projects are delivering to revenue and cost with a clear focus on value management.
- Competencies: to ensure that the organization’s skills are being applied effectively and efficiently.
- Timescale: to determine that projects remain focused on time targets and that dependencies are being honored.
- Compliance, to demonstrate that standards and procedures are being respected.
Assess and advise on implication of changes to a single project/event and the impact on the overall project/events plan (portfolio of events).
Instill a culture and process of key learning’s into future projects/events.
Provide support in using tools or techniques for managing individual and a portfolio of projects/events.
Develop and maintain a register of FLASH project resources and skills.
Facilitate coordination and communication sessions regarding the portfolio of projects and events.
Track and measure the realization of cross benefits, cost savings and joint revenue opportunities.
Advise on identifying and managing benefits (business case).
Propose and conduct project audits/health checks.
Advise on evaluation and closing approaches and procedures.
Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly management reports.
Prepare annual budgets relating to the Project Department.

The Vice President - Projects should not become involved in day-to-day or specific project matters other than those for which he has specific responsibilities.

Requirements

Skills:
Strong ability to lead a team and to work across departments.
Strong project management experience in event industry.
Strong financial analysis and budget skills (project and portfolio).
Previous experience in a matrix environment.
Strong communicator with excellent influencing, negotiation and relationship building skills.
Motivate and manage the people on the project to deliver on time, budget and at the required standard of quality.
Skilled in coordinating flow of information and communication between staff, consultants and senior management, with the ability to effectively manage time and work to meet deadlines.
Strong oral and written communication skills (including the ability to draft understandable, clear and consistent documents on topics within the areas of responsibility).
Will have a high degree of integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.
A strong technical aptitude and/or experience in project reporting and continuous improvement processes. (e.g. project management tools, databases, table structures, development tools, etc.).
Ability to create, manipulate and utilize spreadsheets, word processing programs.
Prepare presentation of projects using a wide range of programs including Microsoft PowerPoint and Project.
Ability to provide accurate and detailed reporting in a concise matter.
Ability to make effective oral presentations to staff, management and the Board.
Ability to consider and advice on the consequences of various courses of action, including an understanding of the repercussions on other activities.
Ability to engender confidence of management and exercise good judgment in handling sensitive information.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, organize priorities and meet deadlines.
Detailed attention to quality of deliverables.
Desire and ability to demonstrate initiative.
Ability to focus on detail and accuracy of information (numerical).

Qualifications
Minimum – Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Management, Finance or Hospitality.
Master’s Degree Finance, Business Administration, etc. preferable.
Formalized project management training and certifications (PMP).
Formalized business analysis training and certifications.
Formalized quality assurance training and certifications.

A minimum of 10-15 years of event management experience with at least 5 years of experience at Director/Vice president level.

About the Company

We are committed to delivering quality entertainment programmes that bring a multitude of benefits to Abu Dhabi, it’s residents and visitors:

•Enhance Abu Dhabi’s iconic urban skyline, through the activation of public venues and locations

•Create live platforms that stimulate and enhance grass roots creativity from across the region

•Stimulate the events industry and it’s skill sets through wide and varied entertainment formats

•Work with the very best local, regional and international entertainment partners to deliver first class event experiences

•Drive recognition of Abu Dhabi as an international leisure and entertainment destination