Head of Programme & Portfolio Management

About the role

Black Pearl Consult is looking for a Head of Programme & Portfolio Management in the UAE. The role suits an experienced leader with a consulting or advisory background who has overseen diverse projects, strengthened programme governance and set up effective PMO functions. You will lead the PMO, define a consistent approach to managing and monitoring projects and programmes, and work closely with senior leadership and project owners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the PMO strategy, structure, policies and governance framework, and set project management standards, approval stages, responsibilities and escalation procedures.
• Support project prioritisation and resource planning against business objectives and available capacity.
• Oversee consolidated reporting on scope, schedules, costs, risks and dependencies, and review delivery performance, challenging deviations and coordinating corrective actions.
• Ensure executive decision papers contain clear options, recommendations and business impacts, and coordinate governance committee reviews and follow-up actions.
• Strengthen risk, issue, dependency and change control processes, and resolve multi-departmental issues.
• Keep project information and governance records accurate and complete, and oversee resource demand and capacity reporting.
• Support benefits tracking, project closure and transition to business ownership.
• Lead and develop the PMO team through coaching, performance management and capability building, and improve practices, tools and reporting through lessons learned.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in project or programme management, including leadership of a PMO or comparable function.
• PMP, PgMP or an equivalent professional qualification preferred; a postgraduate qualification in Management is advantageous.
• Consulting or advisory firm experience is preferred, with exposure to diverse client engagements and project portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or improving PMO governance, project controls, resource planning and executive reporting.
• Proven experience leading teams and developing project management capability.
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel to project sites and partner offices.