Program Manager

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The Customer Centre Airports EMEA LATEM (Europe Middle East Africa & Latin America Emerging Markets) is a key regional hub within Vanderlande responsible for delivering high-quality airport automation solutions across a diverse and fast-growing set of markets. This centre oversees the full lifecycle of airport projects from early design and engineering to execution commissioning and ongoing optimization ensuring successful delivery and long-term operational excellence.

Vanderlande is a global leader in baggage handling systems with operations in over 600 airports worldwide including 12 of the worlds 20 busiest airports. The EMEA LATEM region plays a vital role in this success with the Middle East standing out as one of the most strategically important and active markets. Vanderlande has executed some of the regions most complex and high-profile airport projects supporting key hubs with integrated systems and long-term service commitments.

With a focus on safety quality and on-time delivery the team in EMEA LATEM particularly in the Middle Eastworks closely with airport operators contractors and government stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution. These projects are critical in enabling the next generation of airport infrastructure and improving the passenger journey through innovative efficient and scalable solutions.
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Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Program Manager to oversee the planning execution and delivery of multiple Baggage Handling System (BHS) projects in Jeddah. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the entire program lifecycle ensuring seamless coordination between internal teams subcontractors suppliers and client stakeholders while meeting the highest standards of safety quality and performance.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate multiple BHS projects under a unified program framework in Jeddah.

Ensure alignment of all project scopes with contractual requirements budget constraints and timeline expectations.

Act as the primary point of contact for senior client representatives regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.

Monitor project performance using tools such as KPIs and Finance Tools.

Oversee integration of mechanical electrical controls and IT components across project workstreams.

Manage change requests scope of deviations and claims in accordance with contractual obligations.

Ensure proper financial controls forecasting invoicing and cost tracking.

Develop and maintain program dashboards reporting structures and executive summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

Promote a culture of safety compliance and operational excellence across the program.

Mentor and support project managers engineers and cross-functional teams on performance and development.

Close coordination with internal stakeholders and speed of decision making

Challenge the project engineering teams to have minimum impact on airport operation

The Program Manager ensures effective control of scope cost and timeline addresses issues and deviations promptly and manages risks by identifying assessing and mitigating them throughout the program lifecycle.

Work with and align all stakeholders on mitigations and contingencies during project works to ensure smooth airport operations

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Engineering Project Management or related field.

• PMP or equivalent project/program management certification is strongly preferred.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in project/program management with at least 5 years in BHS or airport systems.

• Proven track record managing large-scale complex infrastructure or airport-related programs in the Middle East or similar environments.

• Strong knowledge of airport operational requirements baggage handling technologies and safety/security regulations.

• Excellent stakeholder management at all levels and negotiation skills.

• Strong financial acumen and understanding of FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.

• Familiarity with relevant BHS standards (e.g. IATA ICAO) and international work exposure will be an add on

• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

• Strong critical thinking skills with a determined approach to managing challenging projects.

Key Skills

• Strategic planning and program governance

• Multi-project leadership and coordination

• Technical knowledge of BHS systems

• Budgeting forecasting and cost control

• Risk management and mitigation

• Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure

• Team leadership and performance coaching

• Familiarity with Primavera P6 MS Project

Diversity & Inclusion

Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status or disability status.