Senior Program Manager

Overview

As Senior Manager – Program Management at Inception, you will report directly to the Director – Program Management and will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing development & operational projects and programs that enhance efficiency, productivity, and business performance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

The opportunity

The Senior Manager – Program Management position involves managing multiple projects, coordinating with various departments, and implementing best practices to optimize operational processes. Your strategic thinking and organizational skills will help drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization.

Inception is the UAE’s national-scale enabler in AI Research and Development. Partnering with Microsofts AI SaaS, we offer domain-specific Agentic AI Orchestrator platforms utilizing reasoning agents for precise and cost-effective services. Our focus includes AI incubation, IP creation, applied AI R&D, and AI investment products. By creating models tailored to specific domains and languages, we ensure superior accuracy and efficiency. Collaborating with top universities and industry giants to drive significant advancements in AI technology within the region.

Responsibilities

As Senior Manager – Program Management you will be responsible for driving the successful execution of operational projects and programs. Your role will include a wide range of activities focused on improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead and drive end- to- end program management for high impact AI initiatives.
• Plan, execute, and oversee operational projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product, operations, finance, IT, HR, and other departments, to ensure alignment and collaboration on project objectives.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination among stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Act as a liaison between different teams to resolve conflicts, manage dependencies, and ensure smooth project execution.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize operational processes.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

Skills and attributes for success

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and executing AI adoption strategies within a large organization, with a strong understanding of AI governance principles.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• 8–10 years of proven experience in core Project/Program Management, delivering complex projects on time and within scope.
• Strong background in Vendor & Partner Management, including contract negotiations, performance tracking, and relationship governance.
• Demonstrated ability in Senior Stakeholder Management, including direct interaction and reporting to C-Level executives.
• Fluent Arabic speaker – must be able to communicate effectively in both Arabic and English across diverse teams and stakeholder groups.
• PMP Certification is required (Project Management Professional).
• Solid understanding and hands-on experience with Agile methodologies.
• Proficient in project management and collaboration tools, including but not limited to JIRA, Monday.com, Confluence, and MS Project.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
  
  

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Experience working in an AI or deep tech environment.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
  
  

What We Look For

If you are a performance-driven, inquisitive mind with the agility to adapt to ambiguity, you will fit right in. You should be eager to explore opportunities to build meaningful collaborations with stakeholders and aspire to create unique customer-centric solutions. Bias for action and a passion to conquer new frontiers in the AI space is at the heart of the Inception community.

What Working At Inception Offers

Culture: An open, diverse and inclusive environment with a global vision that encourages personal growth and focuses on ground-breaking, industry-first innovations.

Career: Outstanding learning, development & growth opportunities via structured training programs and innovative, high-tech projects.

Work-Life: A hybrid work policy to strike the perfect balance between office and home.

Rewards: A competitive remuneration package with a host of perks including healthcare, education support, leave benefits and more.

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

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