Project Manager

Company: Vanderlande –

WebSite: Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Job Description:**Project Manager – Baggage Handling Systems (Jeddah)**

**Job Description**

Vanderlande, a global leader in baggage handling systems with operations in over 600 airports worldwide, including 12 of the world’s 20 busiest, is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Project Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple Baggage Handling System (BHS) projects in Jeddah. This position resides within the Customer Centre Airports EMEA LATEM (Europe, Middle East, Africa & Latin America Emerging Markets), a pivotal regional hub responsible for delivering high-quality airport automation solutions across a diverse and rapidly expanding set of markets. The EMEA LATEM region, with a particular emphasis on the strategically significant and active Middle East market, manages the complete lifecycle of airport projects, from initial design and engineering to execution, commissioning, and continuous optimization, ensuring successful delivery and sustained operational excellence.

**Position Overview**

The Project Manager will be responsible for the comprehensive management of the assigned program lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination between internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and client stakeholders, while adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.

**Responsibilities**

* Lead and coordinate multiple BHS projects under a unified program framework in Jeddah, ensuring alignment of all project scopes with contractual requirements, budgetary constraints, and timeline expectations.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for senior client representatives, regulatory authorities, and internal stakeholders.
* Monitor project performance utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial management tools.
* Oversee the integration of mechanical, electrical, controls, and IT components across all project workstreams.
* Manage change requests, scope deviations, and claims in accordance with contractual obligations and established protocols.
* Ensure robust financial controls, accurate forecasting, timely invoicing, and meticulous cost tracking.
* Develop and maintain comprehensive program dashboards, reporting structures, and executive summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
* Cultivate a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence throughout the program.
* Mentor and support project managers, engineers, and cross-functional teams in their performance and professional development.
* Maintain close coordination with internal stakeholders to facilitate rapid and effective decision-making.
* Challenge project engineering teams to minimize operational impact on airport activities.
* Ensure effective control of scope, cost, and timeline, proactively addressing issues and deviations, and managing risks through identification, assessment, and mitigation throughout the program lifecycle.
* Collaborate with and align all stakeholders on mitigation strategies and contingency plans during project works to ensure seamless airport operations.

**Qualifications & Skills**

* Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
* Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.
* Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in project management, with at least five (5) years specifically in Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) or airport systems.
* Demonstrated track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex infrastructure or airport-related programs in the Middle East or similar environments.
* Comprehensive knowledge of airport operational requirements, baggage handling technologies, and relevant safety and security regulations.
* Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills at all levels.
* Strong financial acumen and a thorough understanding of FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.
* Familiarity with relevant BHS standards (e.g., IATA, ICAO) and international work experience are advantageous.
* Fluency in English; proficiency in Arabic is preferred.
* Strong critical thinking skills with a resolute approach to managing challenging projects.

**Key Skills**

* Strategic planning and program governance
* Multi-project leadership and coordination
* Technical proficiency in 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 and MS Project

Vanderlande is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

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