Project Manager – Global Trade & Customs Consulting Maersk Kanoo (Emirates) - L.L.C

Purpose of the role

A dedicated Project Manager is required to lead and oversee the implementation of complex customs consulting projects delivered under Maersk Border Management Consulting (BMC) for government clients specifically Customs authorities in the UAE. The Project Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for clients and will be responsible for planning and managing project resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful execution and delivery of assigned projects.

Responsible for

The Project Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and delivery of complex, multi-month customs consulting projects focused on policy reform, process improvement, and customs modernization aimed at facilitating trade and improving the flow of goods. This includes:

• Leading project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure in alignment with project objectives, scope, timelines, and budget.
• Managing cross-functional project teams comprising internal Maersk experts, external consultants, subcontractors, and client-side stakeholders from various government entities.
• Overseeing day-to-day project activities, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and outputs, and proactively identifying and resolving risks or issues.
• Acting as the primary interface with government clients, including leading workshops, steering committee meetings, formal presentations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Coordinating all aspects of project financials, including budgeting, cost control, invoicing, and ensuring timely payment collection.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring a consistently professional and positive impression of Maersk throughout the engagement.
• Identifying opportunities for upselling and the expansion of project scope, contributing to the growth of the Border Management Consulting business through new engagements.
• Maintaining strong alignment with the Area Customs Product Manager and other internal stakeholders to ensure strategic consistency and resource availability across multiple concurrent projects.
• Ensuring that project documentation, reporting, and governance standards are consistently applied in line with Maersk’s internal methodologies and client expectations.

Critical competencies

• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects with accountability for timelines, quality, and budget
• Strong capability in project planning, risk management, and delivery governance
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly with government clients and executive stakeholders
• Ability to build trust, manage expectations, and maintain positive client relationships
• Skilled in facilitating workshops, steering meetings, and decision-making sessions
• Familiarity with customs processes, border management, and trade facilitation concepts
• Understanding of contract structures, billing, cost tracking, and financial performance of consulting projects
• Strong collaboration and coordination skills across diverse, cross-functional teams (internal and external)

Key interdependencies

Key metrics

• Project Delivery Performance
• Client Satisfaction & Relationship Management
• Project Financial Performance
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Business Development Contribution

Accountable for

• On-time and on-budget Project delivery
• Client relationship management
• Project Team coordination and performance management
• Adherence to project governance and quality standards

Consulted about

• Proposal development and bid support
• Change management and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Product and business development
• Process improvement and enhancement