Sonia BENZIDANE

International Programs Director | Pre-Sales & Program Leadership | Strategic Business Partner for Defence & Energy | UAE | High-Risk, High-Value International Programs

11.5 yrs experienceRenewables & Environment

Mar 2026Added yesterday

The move

MoveEDF → CS GROUP

TitlePMO - Project Management Office Manager → Programs Director

LocationAbu Dhabi → Abu Dhabi

Career arcRecent arrival

Cross-border moveYes · Abu Dhabi → United Arab Emirates

Native languageFrançais

Years in UAE6.0

Total experience11.5 years

CS GROUP headcount5,001-10,000 employees

CS GROUP industryIT Services and IT Consulting

CS GROUP HQLe Plessis Robinson

CS GROUP typePublic Company

Career arc

Programs DirectorMar 2026 — Present
CCS GROUP· Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
PMO - Project Management Office ManagerFeb 2022 — Apr 2026
EDF· Abu Dhabi· Full-time
Projects Implementation ManagerJun 2021 — Feb 2022
Sauce Capital· Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
Project ManagerAug 2018 — Apr 2019
Al Ghurair Group· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
Senior Production EngineerApr 2018 — Aug 2018
Al Ghurair Group· Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Aerospace Technical Manager - Holder of a delegation of "Design AuthorityJun 2014 — Sep 2016
Thales· THALES Avionics Electrical Systems –Research & Development mechanical department
Continual Improvement EngineerMar 2014 — Jun 2014
Sagem· Sagem Defence Security (SAFRAN GROUP) – Total Productive Maintenance department,
Mechanical design engineerSep 2010 — Sep 2013
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty· Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (SAFRAN GROUP) Research & Development mechanical departme

Education

IUT de Ville d'Avray
Higher National Diploma in Mechanical industry · Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician2007 — 2010
Arts et Métiers ParisTech - École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers
Master’s Degree in Engineering · Industrial Engineering2010 — 2013

Languages

Top skills

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)AeronauticsGestion de projetProjet MicrosoftMaterials ScienceGestion de l'ingénierie

About

I am an International Programs Director operating across Defence and Energy sectors, leading complex, high-value programs from pre-sales engagement through to full operational execution.Based in the UAE, I work at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, supporting strategic programs involving sovereign clients, industrial partners, and multinational stakeholders. My environment is defined by complexity, sensitivity, and high expectations where alignment, execution, and trust are critical success factors.Over the past 15+ years, I have developed a strong capability to bridge business development, program delivery, and client leadership, ensuring continuity from opportunity shaping to successful execution.My focus is to bring clarity in complexity, structu

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