Senior Strategic Management Office Manager

The Opportunity

The Strategy and Future Department is seeking a Senior Strategic Management Office Manager who will be responsible for managing the Strategic Management Office (SMO) related activities, including overseeing strategic project execution, governance alignment, and cross-functional coordination, to ensure timely delivery, institutional impact, and alignment with the University’s strategic objectives, rules and regulations, applicable standards, policies, and procedures.

The Responsibilities

Strategic And Financial

• Formulate and lead the effective execution of the Section’s plans to ensure seamless operations that contribute to the achievement of the organization’s performance objectives.
• Ensure the timely provision of data and reports to the direct supervisor and recommend operational improvements to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Report any potential risks or operational roadblocks and recommend mitigation strategies to minimize interruptions and ensure the timely achievement of objectives and targets.
• Consolidate all budget inputs from the reporting team within the Section to formulate the overall Section budget, and submit to the direct supervisor for review and further consolidation.

Operational

• Manage the Strategic Management Office (SMO) and its team of Project Managers, ensuring effective project delivery and alignment with institutional objectives.
• Manage the execution of strategic projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with institutional quality standards.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination and alignment between project teams and institutional stakeholders to support seamless implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Monitor the progress, risks, and outcomes of strategic projects, providing regular status updates, risk assessments, and mitigation plans to senior leadership.
• Manage the alignment of Strategic Management Office project execution activities with the university’s strategic plans and performance targets.
• Ensure Strategic Management Office project governance and delivery practices comply with institutional governance frameworks established by the Strategic Planning team.
• Manage the implementation of project management frameworks, tools, and reporting systems to enhance consistency, transparency, and accountability across all projects.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery practices within the Strategic Management Office, establishing a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and accountability.
• Manage the incorporation of scenario planning and foresight insights into project plans to ensure responsive and future-ready project execution.
• Provide operational insights and recommendations to the Strategy & Future Director to inform institutional strategy and decision-making.
• Perform ad-hoc activities related to the job duties, as required by the direct supervisor.

People Management

• Finalize and consolidate workforce planning reports, talent acquisition strategies, and budgets at the Section level to ensure adequate staffing for optimal operational smoothness, and submit to the direct supervisor for approval.
• Set performance management objectives for all reportees and perform mid-year and year-end performance review, monitor performance, and provide ad-hoc guidance as needed to ensure objectives are met.
• Identify talent for pivotal roles from a succession management standpoint to ensure business continuity, and liaise with HR to facilitate enrolment in relevant programmes.
• Provide guidance to reportees on the people management matters, offer mentoring and coaching as needed to ensure they are professionally and behaviourally equipped to meet operational requirements.

The Requirements

Must possess a Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience and at least 8 years in a managerial position, or a PhD with a minimum of 10 years of experience and at least 6 years in a managerial position.

Other Essential Requirements

• Fluency in Arabic and English
• Ability to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Desired Or Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working in the academic environment.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members. 

While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if selected for an interview.

For any further inquiries, please contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae