Project Director

Job description / Role

Job description

AtkinsRu00e9alis is seeking a project director to lead the consultant-side delivery of the UAE high-speed rail (HSR) intercity project - phase 1, connecting Abu Dhabi to Dubai. This role will oversee design reviews, programme and project management, and site supervision across a complex, multi-package infrastructure programme involving underground, at-grade, and tunnel works, four major stations, two maintenance depots, and full railway systems integration including rolling stock.

About AtkinsRu00e9alis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRu00e9alis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory and environmental services, intelligent networks and cybersecurity, design and engineering, procurement, project and construction management, operations and maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as engineering services, nuclear and capital.

Role overview

You will act as the single point of contact between internal and external delivery teams, ensuring strategic alignment, stakeholder coordination, and successful delivery of project objectives. The successful candidate will bring proven high-speed rail experience to the programme, contributing deep technical and delivery expertise to one of the region's most ambitious transport initiatives.

Key requirements and accountabilities

Sector experience

• Proven track record in delivering large-scale rail infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail (HSR) above 250 km/h.
• Experience in multidisciplinary design review, programme management, and site supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure environments.

Strategic leadership and programme oversight

• Provide strategic leadership across the full programme lifecycle - from concept development and mobilisation through to delivery, commissioning, and benefits realization.
• Align project delivery with client goals, regulatory frameworks, and UAE development strategies.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across design, engineering, construction, and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent AtkinsRu00e9alis on client boards and steering committees to ensure strategic alignment and confidence in programme delivery.

Planning and scheduling

• Implement a robust project management framework and execution strategy.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the master programme and work breakdown structure (WBS).
• Lead delay mitigation strategies and ensure alignment with critical path milestones.
• Monitor contract programmes and ensure stakeholder approvals are timely and compliant.

Financial and commercial management

• Own and manage programme-level profit and loss, ensuring financial performance, cost control, and commercial success.
• Review and report project budgets, recommend options for potential changes.
• Oversee contract administration, change control, and claims resolution.
• Coordinate with commercial teams to ensure transparency and governance throughout the project.

Risk management and governance

• Chair risk meetings and lead the development of mitigation strategies.
• Ensure robust governance, risk management, and change control processes are in place and adhered to.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to manage disputes and claims proactively.

Construction phase management

• Oversee site supervision, contractor coordination, and interface management across:
• Civil works - Abu Dhabi and Dubai
• Systems, power, depots, rolling stock, and track
• Ensure timely delivery of stakeholder decisions and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
• Monitor contractor compliance with health, safety and environment (HSE), quality, and programme requirements.

Stakeholder engagement

• Act as the primary liaison with UAE Rail, government authorities, consultants, and contractors.
• Lead external stakeholder management and interface coordination, including interface design documentation.
• Resolve escalated issues and maintain strong relationships with all project parties.

Innovation and digital transformation

• Champion innovation and digital transformation across programme delivery, including building information modelling (BIM), smart mobility, and integrated systems.
• Promote modern delivery methodologies to drive efficiency and enhance outcomes.

Team leadership and development

• Mentor senior leadership team and technical leads.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews and support career development across the team.

Reporting and governance

• Establish formal reporting structures for client and internal stakeholders.
• Review and disseminate reports from design and site teams.

Client management

• Lead client engagement through presentations, meetings, and strategic discussions.
• Represent AtkinsRu00e9alis professionally and build trust as a strategic advisor.
• Resolve disputes and maintain long-term client relationships.

Industry engagement and thought leadership

• Represent AtkinsRu00e9alis in strategic forums, bid interviews, and industry engagements.
• Contribute to thought leadership and market positioning in the regional infrastructure sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field (master's or preferred chartered engineer status).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in infrastructure project leadership, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail delivery.
• Strong knowledge of construction, planning, contract law, and stakeholder management.

Why choose AtkinsRu00e9alis?

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Paid annual leave.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation and housing allowances.
• Employee wellbeing program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRu00e9alis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applicants equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

Worker type: Employee
Job type: Regular

At AtkinsRu00e9alis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.