Programme Manager

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Reports To: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

The Programme Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the company's portfolio of construction projects, ensuring successful delivery from inception to completion. The role is responsible for supervising Project Managers, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing client relationships, monitoring budgets and timelines, mitigating project risks, and ensuring that all projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

The Programme Manager will serve as the primary link between executive management and project delivery teams, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across all construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Project Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for multiple construction projects.
• Oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and successful completion of all assigned projects.
• Ensure projects align with the company's strategic objectives and client expectations.
• Supervise and mentor Project Managers to achieve project objectives.
• Review and approve project execution plans and schedules.

Project Performance Management

• Monitor project progress against scope, budget, timelines, and quality standards.
• Identify project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure efficient allocation of manpower, equipment, and resources across projects.
• Resolve project-related challenges and escalate critical issues where necessary.
• Conduct regular project review meetings with Project Managers.

Financial Management

• Monitor project budgets, cash flow, and cost performance.
• Ensure effective cost control and financial accountability across all projects.
• Review project financial reports and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Support contract administration and commercial management.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent the company during project meetings and negotiations.
• Ensure timely communication with all stakeholders regarding project progress.

Quality, Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable construction regulations, statutory requirements, and company policies.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
• Ensure projects meet required quality standards and specifications.

Reporting & Governance

• Prepare executive reports on programme performance.
• Present project updates, key risks, financial status, and recommendations to executive management.
• Develop performance metrics and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure proper project documentation and record management.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Project Managers and other project personnel.
• Foster collaboration and high-performance culture across project teams.
• Support recruitment, performance management, and succession planning within the project function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Building Technology, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline is an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-PgMP, or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., NIQS, NSE, NIOB, COREN, RICS) is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years progressive experience in the construction industry.
• At least 5 years in a senior project or programme management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple large-scale construction projects simultaneously.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and supervising Project Managers.

Required Competencies

• Programme and project management
• Leadership and people management
• Construction project delivery
• Budgeting and cost control
• Contract administration
• Risk management
• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Strategic planning
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Decision-making and organizational skills

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Project
• Primavera P6 (preferred)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• AutoCAD (basic understanding is an advantage)
• Construction management software
• ERP systems (an added advantage)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Percentage of projects delivered on schedule.
• Percentage of projects completed within budget.
• Client satisfaction ratings.
• Quality compliance and defect rates.
• Health and Safety performance.
• Resource utilization efficiency.
• Project profitability.
• Team performance and staff development.