Associate Director, Program Management

Carrier; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global HVAC solutions provider is seeking an experienced strategic program leader in Saudi Arabia to drive cross-functional execution across various global operational programs. The ideal candidate will have more than 8 years of experience in strategic operations and program management, strong executive communication skills, and the ability to manage complex program governance and inter-functional alignment. This role is crucial for orchestrating operational readiness and ensuring successful program execution within diverse teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in strategic operations, program management, or NPI leadership roles.
• Strong ability to build operational schedules and manage complex dependencies.
• Executive communication skills and experience with manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead PMO activities for large-scale operational programs.
• Drive operational reviews and inter-functional alignment with senior stakeholders.
• Partner with teams to ensure integrated planning and execution across workstreams.

Skills

Strategic operations

Program management

Executive communication skills

Complex dependencies management

Job description

Carrier is the leading worldwide provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and cold chain solutions. We invented modern air conditioning, and our team of pioneers continues to advance technologies that transform how we live, work, and move.

We offer industry‑leading services and sustainable solutions designed to create healthier homes, buildings, and environments while reducing environmental impact. At Carrier, diversity and inclusion are the drivers of innovation and growth — and our exceptional people put the customer at the center of everything we do.

Role Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced strategic program leader to drive cross‑functional execution for Carrier’s global operational programs, including major strategic initiatives such as manufacturing JV setup, resource planning, operational readiness, and multi‑region alignment.
• The ideal candidate will orchestrate end‑to‑end program governance, coordinate global and regional teams, manage PMO deliverables, and ensure seamless alignment across OPS, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Business Development etc.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Program Leadership & PMO:

1） Lead PMO activities for large‑scale operational programs。
Responsibilities include schedule development, critical path analysis, risk and mitigation planning, and steering committee preparation。
2）Drive operational reviews, milestone readiness, and inter‑functional alignment with senior stakeholders, including OPS leaderships, HR, Finance, BD, R&D, and Supply Chain, DT, legal etc.

Joint Venture & Site Setup Support

1) Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Finance, HR, and Quality to ensure integrated planning and execution across workstreams。
2) Coordinate site selection, infrastructure planning, and alignment with real estate, facilities, and engineering partners。

Cross‑Functional Execution

1) Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Finance, HR, and Quality etc. to ensure integrated planning and execution across workstreams。
2) Lead weekly cadence meetings and cross‑functional checkpoints to maintain progress and resolve bottlenecks。

Resource Planning & Workforce Modeling

1) Own operational headcount planning, role definition, talent mapping, and FTE ramp strategies for new or expanding sites。
2) Collaborate with HR to define job roles, competency requirements, and recruiting timelines for manufacturing and technical teams。

Executive Communication & Reporting

1) Prepare program briefs, milestone decks, financial alignment updates, and board‑level communication packages。
2) Ensure transparent, accurate reporting on risks, dependencies, and decisions needed from leadership。

Qualifications:

Must‑Have

• 8+ years in strategic operations, program management, or NPI leadership roles.
• Strong ability to build operational schedules, manage complex dependencies, and run PMO processes.
• Executive communication skills; ability to synthesize complex content into leadership‑ready materials.
• Experience with manufacturing operations, JV or site startup, or transformation programs.

Preferred

• Prior exposure to projects of similar complexity (multi‑region operations, plant ramp‑up, capacity planning).
• Strong understanding of R&D, supply chain processes, and industrialization workflows.
• Experience working across EMEA/APAC/NA time zones.
• Knowledge of production systems, factory layout, or equipment planning (aligned with Castle workstreams).

Success Metrics:

• On‑time delivery program milestones.
• Effective alignment across diverse functions and geographies.
• Quality of executive communication and leadership confidence.
• Risk management effectiveness and issue resolution speed.
• Successful resourcing and startup readiness aligned with program schedules.

Our Commitment to You

At Carrier, our greatest assets are the expertise, creativity, and passion of our employees. We strive to provide a workplace that attracts, develops, and retains the best talent, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation to serve our customers better.

We are guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, and Excellence, and we are excited for you to join us and make a difference.