Digital Director

AtkinsRéalis; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking a Digital Director in Abu Dhabi to lead the digital transformation of transportation infrastructure. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in digital leadership, focusing on smart mobility and intelligent transport systems. This role involves overseeing the integration of digital solutions into large-scale projects and promoting a culture of innovation across teams. Competitive benefits are offered, including a tax-free salary and flexible work options.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Remote work opportunities

Flexible work solutions

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years' experience, including 8+ years in the Middle East.
• Proven track record in digital leadership roles related to transportation.
• Experience working with government agencies or major contractors.

Responsibilities

• Develop digital strategy for infrastructure projects.
• Lead adoption of digital technologies across road and rail programs.
• Oversee data governance and analytics for asset performance.

Skills

Digital leadership

Infrastructure experience

Smart mobility

BIM, GIS, IoT

Tools

BIM Level 2/3

Digital twin applications

Asset management platforms

Job description

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis 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 end-to-end services across the life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. News and information are available at AtkinsRéalis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

AtkinsRéalis are searching for a Digital Director to join our team with experience of managing large-scale multi-disciplinary projects in UAE and the GCC Region. The candidate is to have a minimum of 15 years’ experience with 8+ years within the Middle East.

The Digital Director will lead the digital transformation of our infrastructure portfolio, with a primary focus on transportation networks including roads and rail systems. This role will drive innovation, data integration, and smart infrastructure solutions across planning, design, construction, and operations.

The role requires extensive experience within the infrastructure sector relating to rails and roads.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a digital strategy for infrastructure projects, aligning with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Lead the adoption of BIM, GIS, IoT, and digital twin technologies across road and rail programs.
• Oversee data governance, analytics, and integration platforms to support decision-making and asset performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and operations teams to embed digital tools throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate emerging technologies for infrastructure optimization.
• Ensure compliance with digital standards, cybersecurity protocols, and regulatory frameworks.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams.

Required Experience

• Proven experience in digital leadership roles within infrastructure, ideally in transportation (roads, highways, railways).
• Strong understanding of smart mobility, intelligent transport systems, and connected infrastructure.
• Track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure programs with integrated digital solutions.
• Familiarity with asset management platforms, BIM Level 2/3, and digital twin applications.
• Experience working with government agencies, transport authorities, or major contractors.

Preferred Background

• Projects involving:
• • National or regional road networks
  • Rail corridors, metro systems, or high-speed rail
  • Smart city infrastructure
  • Transport hubs (e.g., interchanges, stations)
• Exposure to sustainability, carbon tracking, and resilience planning through digital tools.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

• Tax-free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Flexible/hybrid work solutions.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances: Available for remote work locations.
• 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.

AtkinsRéalis 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 applications 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.