IT Project Manager – ICT Core Infrastructure, Active Components & Security

Job Description IT Project Manager – ICT Core Infrastructure, Active Components & Security Location: Abu Dhabi / UAE Employment Type: Full-time Reporting To: Head of Operations / COO Role Overview NationLabs is seeking an IT Project Manager to lead ICT Core Infrastructure, Active Network Components, and Security Projects across enterprise and government environments. The role requires strong experience in delivering secure-by-design infrastructure projects, including network security, data center security, cybersecurity platforms, and integrated ICT + security programs. The candidate will manage projects end-to-end—from design coordination and procurement to implementation, testing, compliance, and operational handover. Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Governance - Lead end-to-end ICT and Security projects from initiation to closure - Define project scope, milestones, budgets, timelines, and success criteria - Develop and maintain project plans, risk registers, dependency logs, and RAID matrices - Manage change control, scope creep, and stakeholder expectations - Ensure alignment with security, compliance, and regulatory requirements ICT Core Infrastructure Management - Oversee delivery of core ICT infrastructure, including: - Data centers (on-premises, cloud, and hybrid) - Network backbone and structured cabling - Servers, storage, and virtualization platforms - Disaster recovery and business continuity solutions - Coordinate infrastructure readiness across physical, logical, and operational layers Active Components & Network Systems - Manage deployment and integration of active ICT components, including: - Core, aggregation, and access switches - Routers, firewalls, and load balancers - Wireless infrastructure (controllers and access points) - Network monitoring and management systems - Ensure performance, scalability, redundancy, and high availability Security Projects & Systems - Lead delivery of ICT security and cybersecurity projects, including: - Network security (firewalls, IPS/IDS, WAF, NAC) - Endpoint and server security solutions - Identity and Access Management (IAM) and privileged access systems - Security monitoring (SIEM/SOC integration) - Coordinate security architecture alignment with ICT and business requirements - Ensure compliance with security standards, policies, and regulatory frameworks Vendor & Stakeholder Management - Act as the single point of contact for vendors, system integrators, and consultants - Review technical proposals, BoQs, security designs, and implementation methodologies - Coordinate with internal stakeholders (IT, security, operations, management) - Lead vendor meetings, FAT/SAT sessions, and acceptance sign-offs Implementation, Testing & Handover - Oversee installation, configuration, integration, and commissioning activities - Ensure proper system testing, security validation, and acceptance testing - Manage as-built documentation, configuration baselines, and asset registers - Ensure structured handover to operations with training, SOPs, and knowledge transfer Risk, Quality & Compliance - Identify and mitigate project, technical, and security risks proactively - Enforce quality assurance across ICT and security deliverables - Support audits, inspections, and compliance reviews - Ensure adherence to cybersecurity policies, data protection standards, and best practices Required Qualifications Education - Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or related field Experience - 6–10+ years of overall IT experience - 5+ years as an IT Project Manager handling ICT infrastructure and security projects - Proven experience in: - Core ICT infrastructure and data center projects - Enterprise networks and active components - Cybersecurity and security system implementations - Experience with government, regulated, or mission-critical environments preferred Technical Skills - Strong understanding of: - Data center architecture - LAN/WAN and network security design - Cybersecurity platforms and controls - Server, storage, virtualization, and DR concepts - Ability to review and challenge technical and security designs Project Management & Certifications - Strong command of project governance, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting - PMP certification strongly preferred - ITIL certification is an advantage Soft Skills - Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills - Ability to operate in high-pressure, multi-vendor environments - Detail-oriented with strong ownership and accountability