Construction Director - Rail - Abu Dhabi

Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition; Abu Dhabi, Dubai; On-site; GBP 206,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition is seeking a Construction Director for a high‑speed rail civils and trackwork package in the UAE. You will lead site delivery, coordinating construction teams, subcontractors, planning, engineering and HSE to achieve safe, on‑time and high‑quality outcomes.

You will oversee mobilisation through handover, drive programme progression, manage interfaces and change control, and build a high-performing, safety-focused organisation within a complex

Qualifications

• Senior-level construction leadership experience in large-scale infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and interfaces.
• Strong understanding of programme, commercial and contractual controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the construction delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package across the high-speed rail corridor.
• Coordinate construction teams, subcontractors, engineering, planning, commercial and HSE functions.
• Drive construction programme, productivity, sequencing, logistics, resources, cost, risk and performance management.
• Maintain robust contract and change control with the commercial team; manage claims and changes.
• Interface with client, JV partners, consultants, subcontractors and authorities to ensure delivery performance.

Skills

Leadership

Rail construction

Project management

Stakeholder management

Safety leadership

Education

BSc Civil/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Construction Director – High-Speed Rail (Civils & Track)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity to lead construction delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package on one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes – the high-speed rail link connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Acting on behalf of a leading Joint Venture partner, this role sits at the forefront of site delivery, with responsibility for coordinating complex, multi-disciplinary construction across civil works, track systems, depots and critical interfaces.

Role Overview

The Construction Director will lead the construction delivery of a major civils and trackwork package, ensuring safe, on-time, high-quality and commercially successful execution across multiple work fronts within a highly complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

You will take overall responsibility for site construction execution, coordinating construction teams, subcontractors, engineering, planning, commercial and HSE functions, while interfacing closely with the client, consortium partners, consultants and authorities to maintain control of delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead construction delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package across the high-speed rail corridor, managing multiple concurrent work fronts
• Provide construction leadership from mobilisation and enabling works through main works, testing, commissioning and handover
• Direct and coordinate multi-disciplinary construction scope, including:
• Track systems and alignment
• Depot and interface coordination
• Drive construction programme, productivity, sequencing, logistics, resources, cost, risk and performance management
• Work closely with the commercial team to maintain robust contract and change control, including:
• Contract administration
• Claims and change management
• Act as the senior construction interface with the client, JV partners, consultants, subcontractors and authorities
• Ensure effective integration across JV partners, subcontractors, engineering teams and the wider supply chain
• Build and lead a high-performing construction organisation, including Construction Managers and discipline leads, embedding strong delivery culture, productivity and accountability

Drive construction methodology, sequencing, temporary works, site logistics and resource planning to maximise productivity and minimise interface risk

Maintain close oversight of subcontractor performance, construction progress, quality, testing, punch-list close-out and readiness for handover

Coordinate closely with engineering and design teams to resolve technical issues, constructability constraints and site interfaces in a timely manner

• Ensure all site works comply with local regulatory, HSE, quality and environmental requirements, driving a strong safety culture across the project

Candidate Profile

• BSc in Civil/Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
• Minimum 18-20 years’ experience in large-scale infrastructure construction and delivery
• Minimum 10 years in rail projects
• Proven track record as Construction Director, Senior Construction Manager or equivalent on major rail/infrastructure programmes
• Strong hands-on construction experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary rail scopes, ideally including civils, track, structures, depots and systems interfaces
• Demonstrated success operating within Joint Ventures / international consortiums
• Deep understanding of Middle East project environments, ideally UAE/GCC
• Strong understanding of programme, commercial and contractual controls, including change, claims, risk and subcontractor management
• Proven ability to lead large site teams and subcontractors while maintaining close control of programme, productivity, quality and HSE performance
• PMP or equivalent certification advantageous
• Exceptional construction leadership, communication, coordination and problem-solving skills

Why This Role

• Landmark infrastructure programme of global significance
• Senior construction leadership with significant client and JV exposure
• Opportunity to lead construction delivery on a next-generation high-speed rail network
• Long-term, high-impact construction leadership role within a complex international JV environment