Project Manager - KSA

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Duties:

Project Management

• The primary responsibility of the role is to deliver in full, to time and cost, meeting the responsibilities the company has undertaken as part of a contractual commitment.
• Develops plans to meet contractual milestones by liaising managing site teams, working autonomously to deliver responsibilities as assigned by the project manager or programme manager.
• Responsible for the oversight of projects from beginning to end to ensure their success. Success is defined by, a) Total customer satisfaction, b) Meeting or exceeding financial targets (project P&L management), c) Conduct consistent with the Corporate Values
• Responsible for executing, monitoring and controlling the quality, cost and schedule deliverables, risk management and scope to meet or exceed stakeholder and customer expectations
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, work breakdown structures, look-ahead schedules, resource plans, procurement trackers, cost reports and site execution plans
• Prepare scheduled and necessary updates of construction/site activities by analyzing manpower and equipment required for meeting the project milestones and objectives.
• Responsible for assigning work to the program/project teams from technical, manufacturing, operations, supply chain and administrative areas
• Prepares bid proposals, business plans, program scope and program management plans, program operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract
• Maintain budgets, scheduling, and project database oversight, and report regularly to project or programme manager to keep him/her constantly informed of job progress, plans and problems that could significantly affect costs or schedules
• Delivery focused- To participate and lead when required activities across a range of projects ensuring personnel follow the essential disciplines associated with HSSE, client service, project delivery and delivery of contractual obligations, in a way consistent with the standards and approach mandated by SDME management and measured and monitored the SDME PMO function.
• Responsible for preparing reports as per the PMO Reporting Framework to define overall project status and percentage complete, earned value, delays, issues and risks and duration to complete and other key project metrics.
• Lead equipment delivery to site and completion of MIR activities and approval
• Coordinate OEMs, specialist subcontractors, airport engineering teams, IT / network teams, civil and MEP contractors, baggage handling system integrators and operational stakeholders.
• Review layouts, IFC drawings, cable routing, equipment positioning, queue design, line balancing, structural support requirements, heat load / ventilation, UPS and power isolation needs before installation starts.
• Control change requests, avoid scope creep, and ensure all variations are technically assessed, commercially approved and operationally coordinated before implementation.
• Lead FAT / IFAT / SAT / site acceptance testing, image quality checks, throughput validation, failover testing, calibration, operator familiarization and final handover documentation.

Typical duties include:

• Responsible for identifying and categorizing risks and working with stakeholders to mitigate risks which may impact successful implementation of the program. Keeps external as well as internal stakeholders fully updated on the possible risks in a timely manner such these risks could be mitigated
• Secure work permits, airside access permits, escort arrangements, method statement approvals and planned outage / possession approvals for works in restricted areas.
• Works with customer, clients and internal teams to resolve any issues and barriers which would impact program execution.
• Coordinate logistics for delivery, staging, lifting, customs clearance where applicable, storage and movement of heavy screening equipment into operational airport areas.
• Track long-lead items, OEM attendance, spares, warranty certificates, software / license keys, and regulatory approval dependencies.
• Chair progress meetings, interface workshops, risk reviews, construction coordination meetings and operational readiness meetings with airport stakeholders.
• Responsible for developing and measuring criteria to monitor program schedules. Reports on Program KPIs, objectives and milestones achievement. Trackers and reports on overall program financials to senior management and customers on a regular basis.
• Responsible for management of the overall cross-functional program teams. Will also provide assistance by providing guidance in problem solving, and directs activities relative to performance of tasks in support of the assigned program requirements

Health, Ethics, Safety & Environment Responsibilities

• Ensure strict compliance with airport safety rules, permit-to-work systems, lock-out / tag-out requirements, electrical isolation procedures, lifting plans, working at height procedures, housekeeping and FOD prevention requirements.
• Ensure all project staff, vendors and subcontractors hold required airport security clearances, inductions, airside permits and competency certifications before entering controlled areas.
• Ensure all work is executed in line with applicable aviation security, safety, environmental and data protection requirements, and report incidents, near misses and non-conformances promptly.
• Maintain ethical procurement, vendor management and records management practices across the project lifecycle.

People and Talent Management:

• Lead matrix-based site teams and specialist vendors, assigning priorities, monitoring performance, resolving execution issues and reinforcing quality and safety expectations.
• Support training and readiness of operators, supervisors, maintenance teams and airport stakeholders before go-live.
• Build a culture of coordination, disciplined escalation and zero-surprise communication in a 24/7 operational airport environment.
• Planning, Reporting & Controls
• Maintain RAID logs, action trackers, interface matrices, hold-point trackers, permit registers and commissioning / snagging logs.
• Report status on budget, schedule, risks, issues, test readiness, lane availability, baggage throughput impact and handover readiness to senior management and sponsors.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Educational and Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience managing installation and commissioning of security screening technologies such as cabin baggage CT or X-ray scanners, in-line or stand-alone hold baggage screening systems, walk-through metal detectors, explosive trace detection equipment, body scanners, tray return systems and operator workstations.
• Sound understanding of airport operational constraints, terminal phasing, airline coordination, possession planning, access restrictions and live-environment construction controls.
• Strong knowledge of security screening system interfaces: electrical power, structured cabling, fiber / network connectivity, server / client architecture, image review stations, alarm outputs, HMI / monitoring systems and integration with third-party airport systems.
• Working knowledge of testing and commissioning practices including FAT, SAT, integrated systems testing, calibration, performance verification, punch listing, as-built documentation and maintenance handover.
• Familiarity with applicable aviation security and airport compliance frameworks (for example airport operator standards, civil aviation security requirements, OEM installation manuals, HSE management requirements and quality control procedures).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Primavera or similar scheduling tools; strong command of Excel, PowerPoint, document control and project reporting systems.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent preferred; HSE training, airport / airside safety permits and OEM product certification are advantageous.

Skills & Competencies and Abilities:

• Strong stakeholder management in a multi-agency airport environment involving operations, aviation security, engineering, IT, contractors and authorities
• Ability to translate technical installation requirements into operationally workable delivery plans.
• Excellent coordination of interfaces between screening equipment OEMs, civil / MEP works, networking, baggage systems and operating teams.
• Strong commercial acumen for variation control, progress valuation, claims avoidance and vendor performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, reporting, presentation and meeting facilitation skills.
• High attention to detail, quality assurance discipline, documentation accuracy and configuration control
• Structured problem solving, root-cause analysis and decision making under time-sensitive operational constraints.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical / Electronics, Mechanical, Aviation Systems, Project Management or a related discipline
• Typically 7-10 years of experience in project delivery, with at least 3 - 5 years in airport, aviation, security systems, baggage or mission-critical infrastructure projects.

Language

Arabic and English

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.