Project Manager (AI RFQ)

Project ManagerAbout the RoleAste Global is seeking a hands-on Project Manager to plan, coordinate, and drive technology and business improvement initiatives across the company.The immediate priority is to lead the day-to-day coordination of an AI-based RFQ and quotation automation project currently under implementation. The Project Manager will work closely with internal users, management, vendors, and external advisors to track progress, manage risks, coordinate testing and deployment activities, resolve blockers, and ensure timely delivery.Beyond the RFQ project, the role will support other initiatives, including system upgrades, process improvements, data-related projects, operational improvements, and selected business initiatives outside of IT.This is a delivery-focused role. The successful candidate must be able to work with internal users, management, vendors, and external consultants to translate business requirements into actionable plans, maintain momentum across multiple initiatives, and ensure projects are delivered in a structured and disciplined manner.The candidate does not need software development experience but must have a strong technology project management background and be comfortable managing software systems, ERP platforms, AI solutions, data initiatives, automation projects, and third-party vendors.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Planning & DeliveryDevelop and maintain project plans, timelines, action trackers, and status reports.Coordinate stakeholders to ensure timely execution of project activities.Identify risks, issues, and dependencies, and drive resolution.Facilitate project meetings and track follow-up actions.Business Initiative ManagementCoordinate business improvement initiatives outside of IT as required.Work with stakeholders to define objectives, responsibilities, timelines, and expected outcomes.Track implementation progress and stakeholder alignment.Stakeholder & Vendor ManagementServe as the primary coordinator between management, users, vendors, and external advisors.Facilitate communication and ensure timely follow-up on commitments.Provide management with concise updates on project progress, risks, and required decisions.Documentation & ReportingMaintain project documentation, action logs, issue registers, and status reports.Prepare meeting minutes, management updates, and key project records.Ensure project information remains organized, accurate, and up to date.Required ExperienceMinimum 3–5 years of project management or project coordination experience (software/ system related).Proven experience managing IT, software, ERP, automation, data, or system implementation projects.Experience working with external vendors or implementation partners.Strong organizational skills with the ability to drive follow-through and closure.Comfortable working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Ability to understand business processes and translate them into actionable project plans.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work independently in a dynamic business environment.Preferred ExperienceExperience in manufacturing, industrial services, engineering, marine, offshore, logistics, or related industries.Experience with ERP systems, CRM platforms, workflow automation, AI tools, reporting solutions, or data projects.Familiarity with UAT, business requirements gathering, process mapping, and change management.Experience managing multiple concurrent projects.PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, or similar certifications are advantageous but not mandatory.Key Skills & AttributesThe ideal candidate will be:Structured and disciplined in planning and follow-up.Hands-on and detail-oriented.Able to bring clarity to complex or ambiguous situations.Confident engaging vendors and stakeholders at all levels.Practical, business-minded, and outcome-focused.Able to communicate technical concepts in clear business language.Persistent and proactive in driving progress.Comfortable operating in an environment where priorities evolve and continuous improvement is encouraged.What Success Looks LikeWithin the First 1–3 MonthsThe successful candidate should be able to:Take ownership of day-to-day coordination for the AI RFQ and quotation automation project.Establish and maintain effective project tracking, issue management, action registers, and status reporting.Create visibility of project risks, dependencies, blockers, and vendor commitments.Reduce the need for senior management and external advisors to drive routine project follow-up.Improve coordination and communication between users, vendors, and management.Drive the RFQ project toward successful completion.Longer-Term SuccessBeyond the RFQ project, the Project Manager should be able to independently coordinate multiple business and technology initiatives while providing management with clear visibility of progress, risks, and decisions required.Reporting LineThe Project Manager will report directly to management and work closely with department heads, users, vendors, and external advisors involved in technology and business improvement initiatives.