Program Manager

Sutherland; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Sutherland in Dubai is seeking an experienced Program Manager – Transformation & Delivery to lead complex, cross-functional transformation programs from mobilisation through execution and benefits realisation.

The role encompasses end-to-end program delivery, governance, stakeholder management, resource planning, risk and dependency management, and ensuring initiatives achieve defined business outcomes in data, analytics, automation, and technology.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of experience in program management, transformation or delivery.
• Proven track record of leading enterprise-scale transformation programs.
• Strong governance, risk management and stakeholder management experience.
• Experience managing multiple workstreams and geographically distributed teams.
• Deep understanding of data, analytics, digital transformation, automation and technology initiatives.
• Proven ability to drive change and realise benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, cross-functional programs from initiation to closure.
• Own scope, milestones, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and quality.
• Establish governance, dashboards, and reporting for leadership.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams and manage dependencies and risks.
• Drive benefits realisation and change management activities.
• Mobilise global teams and translate strategy into executable programs.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Executive communication

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA

PM certifications (PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, SAFe)

Tools

PM software

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Program Manager – Transformation & Delivery to lead complex, cross-functional transformation programs from mobilisation through execution and benefits realisation.

The role will be responsible for end-to-end program delivery, governance, stakeholder management, resource planning, risk and dependency management, and ensuring that initiatives achieve defined business outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing large-scale transformation initiatives involving data, analytics, automation, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Program Delivery

• Lead complex, cross-functional programs from initiation and mobilisation through delivery and closure.
• Own program scope, milestones, deliverables, acceptance criteria, quality, risks, and dependencies.
• Establish clear delivery plans, timelines, milestones, and success measures.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams and ensure alignment with overall program objectives.
• Track progress and proactively address delivery risks and deviations.
• Establish program structures, governance frameworks, operating rhythms, and delivery controls.
• Set up governance forums, steering committee meetings, status reviews, and executive reporting mechanisms.
• Drive alignment across multiple business units, functions, and entities.
• Maintain program documentation, RAID logs, action trackers, and governance dashboards.
• Ensure adherence to agreed delivery standards, processes, and quality controls.

3. Stakeholder & Escalation Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior business, technology, and functional stakeholders.
• Facilitate discussions on strategic priorities, program risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges.
• Manage escalations and drive timely resolution of critical issues.
• Communicate program status, risks, dependencies, and key decisions clearly to leadership.
• Ensure effective collaboration across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.

4. Program Execution & Benefits Realisation

• Drive execution against agreed program objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Lead resource planning and capacity management across program workstreams.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational optimisation.
• Support change management and adoption activities required for successful transformation.
• Track benefits, outcomes, and business value delivered through the program.
• Ensure transformation initiatives achieve sustainable and measurable business outcomes.

5. Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation

• Lead transformation initiatives involving data platforms, analytics, automation, and technology-enabled solutions.
• Mobilise global cross-functional teams across business, technology, data, and operations.
• Work closely with technology and business teams to translate strategic objectives into executable programs.
• Drive adoption of data-driven processes and digital solutions.
• Monitor delivery outcomes and ensure technology initiatives remain aligned with business requirements.

Required Experience & Skills

• 11+ years of experience in program management, project management, transformation, technology delivery, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing complex, enterprise-level, cross-functional transformation programs.
• Strong experience in end-to-end delivery, governance, risk management, and stakeholder management.
• Experience managing multiple workstreams, geographically distributed teams, and complex dependencies.
• Strong understanding of data, analytics, digital transformation, automation, and technology-enabled initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in resource planning, change management, process optimisation, and benefits realisation.
• Strong executive communication, presentation, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed enterprise environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Management, or a related discipline.
• MBA or equivalent management qualification is preferred.
• Program/project management certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or SAFe would be an advantage.
• Experience working on global transformation programs and with senior executive stakeholders is preferred.