Project: Railway Construction Project
Location: Project-Based, Remote Area
The role is working for a large multinational design and engineering consultancy working on part of the largest rail network in the GCC/Middle East. Currently we are at bidding stage for the project. If awarded and if CV is approved by client, we will look to start in March 2026.
Role Purpose
The Project Director will have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the railway construction project, providing strategic leadership, technical oversight, and executive management across all project functions. The role is accountable for achieving project objectives related to safety, quality, cost, schedule, risk, stakeholder satisfaction, and contractual compliance, while ensuring alignment with the Client's requirements and applicable regulatory frameworks.
The Project Director will lead a multi-disciplinary team and manage complex interfaces associated with large-scale civil engineering and infrastructure works, particularly highways and railways, from mobilization through completion and handover.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Provide overall leadership, direction, and governance for the railway construction project.
- Establish the project execution strategy, objectives, and performance targets in alignment with contractual and client requirements.
- Ensure robust project governance structures, decision-making processes, and reporting frameworks are in place.
Project Delivery & Performance
- Assume full accountability for project delivery in terms of scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and risk.
- Oversee planning, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover activities.
- Ensure integration and coordination across all project disciplines and interfaces.
- Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions to address deviations from approved baselines.
Contractual, Commercial & Risk Management
- Lead the administration of the contract in accordance with applicable forms (e.g., FIDIC), ensuring contractual obligations and entitlements are effectively managed.
- Oversee change management, claims, variations, and dispute avoidance/resolution strategies.
- Ensure effective risk management, including identification, mitigation, and monitoring of project risks.
- Maintain strong commercial oversight to protect project profitability and value.
Stakeholder & Client Management
- Act as the primary senior interface with the Client, Engineer, authorities, and key stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government entities, regulators, utilities, and third parties.
- Represent the project at executive meetings, steering committees, and high-level stakeholder forums.
HSSE, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a strong HSSE culture and ensure compliance with all health, safety, security, and environmental requirements.
- Ensure quality management systems and construction supervision arrangements are effectively implemented.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, and international standards.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and mentor the project senior management team, including construction, engineering, commercial, project controls, HSSE, and support functions.
- Ensure appropriate organizational structure, staffing, and resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Promote collaboration, accountability, and high-performance culture across the project.
Reporting & Communication
- Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent reporting to the Client and executive management.
- Provide strategic advice and early warning on issues that may impact project objectives.
- Support audits, reviews, and independent assessments as required.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related technical / engineering discipline.
Experience
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years professional experience in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Works, with a strong focus on railway projects.
- Proven experience as Project Director (or equivalent senior leadership role) on at least one project of similar size, complexity, and value.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
Technical & Professional Competencies
- Strong technical background in major civil engineering and infrastructure construction.
- Comprehensive understanding of project management, contract administration, and risk management.
- Ability to interpret complex technical, commercial, and contractual information at executive level.
- Strong commercial awareness and decision-making capability.
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to manage complexity and make sound executive decisions.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
