Data & Analytics Project Manager

Job Overview

The Data & Analytics Project Manager is responsible for steering the successful execution of projects focused on data modernization, engineering, analytics, and reporting across enterprise settings. This individual ensures projects meet deadlines, budgets, and quality benchmarks while managing scope, resources, risks, stakeholders, and compliance demands. Acting as the key liaison among business units, technical teams, vendors, and sponsors, the manager drives the realization of data and analytics transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee complete lifecycle delivery of data platforms, engineering, warehousing, and analytics projects.
• Create and control project schedules, work breakdowns, resource allocation plans, and budgets.
• Manage project scope, timelines, risks, issues, dependencies, and handle change requests.
• Coordinate activities of cross-disciplinary teams including engineers, architects, analysts, QA, and vendors.
• Lead project governance forums, steering groups, status meetings, and communications with stakeholders.
• Implement the most appropriate methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall or hybrid models depending on project needs.
• Monitor progress relative to milestones, KPIs, deliverables, and budgetary targets.
• Ensure outcomes align with company objectives, IT standards, security rules, and governance policies.
• Assist in vendor oversight including contract management, escalation handling, and performance evaluations.
• Identify risks and formulate mitigation and contingency approaches.
• Maintain compliance with laws and industry standards relating to data governance and banking regulations.
• Manage resolution of issues and escalation across multiple program areas.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, dashboards, executive presentations, and status updates for leadership and clients.
• Drive initiatives for continuous improvement in delivery processes, governance, and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Possession of recognized Project Management certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2.
• Certifications in Agile methodologies, Scrum Master, or SAFe required.

Experience Criteria

• At least 7 years of professional experience managing projects.
• Proven track record in steering projects related to data platforms, engineering, analytics, BI or digital transformations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple simultaneous projects and diverse cross-functional teams.

Role-Specific Skills

• Expertise in Project Management methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid.
• Competence in project planning, scheduling, budget and financial oversight.
• Strong skills in resource planning, risk management, issue resolution, and change control.
• Effective stakeholder and vendor relationship management.
• Experience with PMO governance and project reporting.
• Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, and Confluence.
• Knowledge of data warehousing and modern data lakehouse architectures.
• Understanding of data engineering processes including ETL/ELT.
• Working knowledge of business intelligence and analytics platforms.
• Awareness of data governance frameworks and management best practices.
• Understanding of banking compliance and regulatory standards such as those from SAMA.