Program Manager

Vanderlande; Jeddah, Makkah Al Mukarramah; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderlande is seeking an experienced Program Manager for managing Baggage Handling System projects in Jeddah. In this role, you will oversee project planning and execution while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Your experience with large-scale infrastructure programs and strong stakeholder management skills will be essential for successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project/program management experience.
• Experience in BHS or airport systems critical.
• Fluent in English; Arabic advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multiple BHS projects.
• Ensure alignment with budget and timelines.
• Act as primary contact for stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Risk management

Team leadership

Technical knowledge of BHS systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering

PMP or equivalent certification

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Job Title

Program Manager

Job Description

Your department

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 world’s 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 region’s 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 East—works 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.

Learn more at www.vanderlande.com.

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

• Bachelor's or Master's 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.