Issues
A major Saudi energy infrastructure developer overseeing multiple large-scale projects across the Kingdom engaged our team to improve project management performance. The client’s portfolio included transmission line installations, solar field development, substation upgrades, and energy-storage construction. With operations spanning several regions and involving numerous subcontractors, the organization required an integrated project management framework to enhance delivery efficiency, reduce delays, and standardize governance across all project cycles. Leadership recognized the necessity to restructure internal processes to meet national energy expansion targets and strengthen alignment with evolving regulatory timelines.
Solution
We introduced a comprehensive Project Management Excellence Program to restructure planning, execution, and performance governance across all projects. The solution involved establishing standardized project templates, risk registers, and reporting dashboards while defining clear roles and responsibilities across teams. We implemented an integrated project management office (PMO) responsible for coordination, monitoring, escalation management, and quality control. Advanced scheduling tools were deployed to align engineering, procurement, and construction timelines, while capacity-building programs strengthened the competency of project managers and site teams. This holistic framework enabled the client to transition from reactive project execution to predictable, disciplined delivery.
Approach
- Conducted a full maturity assessment covering planning processes, reporting practices, and project delivery patterns.
- Designed standardized project lifecycle templates covering initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
- Introduced digital dashboards for real-time visibility of progress, risks, cost status, and resource allocation.
- Implemented a centralized PMO to formalize governance, manage escalations, and coordinate cross-functional activities.
- Delivered competency-building sessions on scheduling, risk management, stakeholder management, and change control.
- Developed an early-warning mechanism to detect schedule slippage and cost deviations before they escalated.
Recommendations
- Institutionalize PMO authority to ensure consistent governance and timely escalation handling across all projects.
- Adopt mandatory risk workshops during early project stages to reduce uncertainty and strengthen planning accuracy.
- Implement integrated planning cycles that align engineering design, procurement timelines, and construction readiness.
- Strengthen contractor performance evaluation frameworks to enhance reliability and accountability.
- Continue investing in project management training to raise internal capabilities and maintain execution discipline.
- Establish quarterly portfolio reviews to recalibrate priorities and align with national energy development milestones.
Engagement ROI
Within the first year, the client experienced a 27% reduction in project delays, translating into avoided cost overruns of approximately SAR 28 million. Standardized governance reduced contractor-related delays by 19%, and digital monitoring tools improved schedule accuracy by 35%. The centralized PMO enhanced reporting quality by 92%, enabling faster executive decision-making. Over a three-year period, the expected financial impact exceeded SAR 85 million, driven by improved resource allocation, reduced rework, and higher predictability in project delivery performance.