Project Associate

About the Role

The Project Associate will oversee the complete lifecycle of small to medium complex projects, ensuring successful delivery that aligns with scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client requirements. This role supports business growth by managing projects from initiation through handover while upholding standards for quality and profitability.

Primary Duties

• Plan, execute, monitor, and close projects while adhering to project phases, milestones, and resource allocations.
• Create detailed project plans covering workflows, schedules, and resources required.
• Maintain project structures consistent with contractual goals and overall objectives.
• Deliver projects punctually, within budget, and to the established quality standards.
• Define and communicate success criteria to stakeholders and project teams.
• Optimize use of resources including personnel, financial investments, and infrastructure.
• Monitor performance, enforce quality assurance processes, and resolve project issues throughout their duration.
• Ensure projects are accepted and handed off properly according to contract details.

• Assist Business Development with commercial and technical proposal preparations.
• Coordinate contract negotiations, amendments, and finalizations with contractors and subcontractors.
• Support dispute resolution, negotiations, arbitration, or litigation processes as needed.

• Develop and sustain robust relationships with clients, contractors, and key external parties.
• Provide consistent project status updates covering milestones, risks, budgets, and key concerns.
• Conduct client satisfaction assessments post-project to evaluate service effectiveness.
• Facilitate internal and external knowledge sharing upon project completion.

• Align projects with the organization's strategic aims.
• Track and communicate project metrics to senior leadership.
• Contribute to enhancing project management tools, methods, and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to company project management governance and standards.

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 4 years of project management experience in public or private sectors.
• Background in managing projects within the Defence & Aerospace industry.
• Preferably experience working in the UAE or the Middle East region.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is mandatory.

Core Skills

• Project and portfolio management expertise
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and standards
• Risk identification and mitigation skills
• Contract and commercial negotiation capabilities
• Stakeholder engagement and management
• Resource and budget planning proficiency
• Quality assurance and control
• Client relationship building and communication
• Leadership and team coordination
• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities