Department Manager

Job description / Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Department Manager (Engineering, Design, Planning and/or Controls) to lead and manage engineering, design, and planning functions for a major high-speed rail project in the UAE. This role involves overseeing multidisciplinary teams, joint venture partners, and technical deliverables to ensure integrated, timely, and high-quality execution across all engineering, design, and planning disciplines.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage all engineering, design, planning, and control activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives and milestones
• Oversee JV partners, internal teams, and consultants, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and contractual requirements
• Coordinate across design, construction, and planning teams to resolve technical issues and manage project interfaces
• Monitor progress, budgets, resources, and performance metrics, providing reports and risk mitigation strategies to senior management
• Approve engineering and design plans, schedules, and deliverables, ensuring integration with master project timelines
• Facilitate technical workshops, coordination meetings, and design reviews with all stakeholders
• Drive process improvements and standardization across engineering, design, and planning functions

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum 12 years of experience in management roles within engineering, design, or planning disciplines, ideally in large infrastructure or rail projects
• Proven experience in joint venture (JV) project environments
• Strong technical knowledge of engineering, design, and planning for civil and rail infrastructure
• Experience in the UAE or GCC region highly preferred
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications & Skills
• High-speed rail, metro, or large transportation project experience
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts, claims management, and project controls
• Proficient in project monitoring, scheduling, and reporting tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent)
• Experience leading multinational teams with complex project interfaces
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and proactive decision-making

About the Company

Guildhall is the most respected HR & Headhunting Consultancy in the MENA Region.

With deep, extensive knowledge of HR & Recruiting in the region, Guildhall has become a trusted partner of choice for candidates and clients. Starting from an exclusive recruitment agency in Dubai - UAE, Guildhall has grown into an elite service with the ability to cover vacancies in across MENA and Asia-pacific.

Offering tailored Career Sessions and an innovative industry-first membership program designed to save money on core services.

Guildhall is the partner of choice.