Senior Software Project Manager

The Dubai Municipality, United Arab Emirates, is seeking a seasoned Software Project Manager with over 15 years of experience in managing end-to-end software development and implementation projects. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, a strong technical background, and a proven ability to deliver complex projects under tight deadlines. This role involves overseeing government IT initiatives, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations, and delivering innovative technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage full lifecycle software projects from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment with UAE government standards and compliance requirements of Digital authority and Dubai government.

· Collaborate with municipal stakeholders, other government entities / authorities vendors, and cross-functional teams to define project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines.

· Develop detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.

· Monitor and control project progress, proactively identifying and mitigating risks and issues.

· Provide technical guidance and solutions to project teams and stakeholders.

· Ensure quality assurance and testing processes are integrated throughout the project lifecycle.

· Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and documentation to senior management and government authorities.

· Facilitate effective communication across all levels of the organization and external partners.

· Negotiate contracts, service level agreements, and change requests with vendors and clients.

· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Required Qualifications:

· Strong techno functional experience.

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.

· PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.

· Minimum 15 years of experience in software project management, with significant experience in government or public sector projects.

· Strong understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).

· Excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.

· Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a technical mindset.

· Experience with UAE government procurement processes and compliance standards.

Required Skillset:Technical & Domain Knowledge

• Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and DevOps practices.
• Basic Coding/Architecture Knowledge: Not necessarily hands-on, but enough to communicate effectively with developers and architects.
• Tool Proficiency: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Git, CI/CD platforms, and project tracking software.

Project Management Skills

• Planning & Scheduling: Creating realistic timelines, milestones, and resource plans.
• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks proactively.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Managing project finances and ensuring cost-efficiency.

Leadership & Communication

• Team Leadership: Motivating and guiding cross-functional teams.
• Stakeholder Management: Communicating effectively with clients, sponsors, and internal leadership.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling disagreements constructively and diplomatically.

Analytical & Strategic Thinking

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using metrics and KPIs to guide project direction.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring the project supports broader business goals.

Preferred Skills:

· Familiarity with UAE government IT frameworks and digital transformation initiatives.

· Experience in managing cloud-based, ERP, or custom software solutions.

· Knowledge of cybersecurity and data privacy regulations in UAE government settings.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract