PMO Director / PMO Lead - Rail

Mace; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking a senior professional to establish and operate integrated governance, reporting, controls and assurance across complex programmes and portfolios in the UAE.

The role focuses on aligning delivery with client objectives, regulatory requirements and business priorities, providing independent insight and ensuring robust decision support, with a strong emphasis on risk, cost and schedule management and executive reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in the applicable discipline.
• Experience on rail, metro, high-speed rail or similar major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client-facing, analytical and multidisciplinary coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads establishment and operation of integrated governance, reporting, controls and assurance frameworks across complex programmes.
• Develops governance strategies, management plans and performance controls aligned with client objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provides independent insight on programme performance, identifies risks and opportunities.
• Coordinates governance activities across clients, consultants, contractors and delivery partners.
• Oversees integration of cost, schedule, risk, change, information and assurance functions.
• Enables executive decision-making through high-quality reporting and timely escalation of critical issues.
• Promotes accountability, transparency and continuous improvement with robust controls and audit readiness.
• Builds trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership to drive sustainable value.
• Supports net zero carbon goals and manages related emissions during delivery.

Skills

Governance leadership

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Reporting analytics

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The Project

The UAE continues to invest heavily in world-class transportation infrastructure, with rail playing a pivotal role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and enabling sustainable mobility across the country. From major passenger rail initiatives to freight, metro and integrated transport programmes, the sector is creating exciting opportunities for professionals passionate about delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Whether your expertise lies in project management, programme management, planning, commercial management, engineering, design management, project controls or delivery leadership, we'd be delighted to connect and discuss how your experience could align with upcoming opportunities in this growing sector.

Establishment and operation of integrated governance, reporting, controls, assurance and decision-support arrangements.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leads the establishment and operation of integrated governance, reporting, controls and assurance frameworks, enabling effective oversight and informed decision-making across complex programmes and portfolios.
• Develops and implements governance strategies, management plans and performance control mechanisms that align delivery with client objectives, regulatory requirements and business priorities.
• Provides independent insight and challenge on programme performance, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to drive improved outcomes and organisational resilience.
• Coordinates governance activities across clients, consultants, contractors and delivery partners, ensuring consistent application of standards, processes and accountabilities.
• Oversees the integration of cost, schedule, risk, change, information and assurance functions, creating a single source of truth for programme performance and reporting.
• Enables executive decision-making through high-quality reporting, performance analytics, assurance reviews and timely escalation of critical issues.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring robust controls, audit readiness and effective knowledge sharing across the programme.
• Builds trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams, influencing strategic direction, supporting business growth and driving sustainable value for clients and communities.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You’ll Need To Have

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in the applicable discipline.
• Demonstrated experience on rail, metro, high-speed rail or comparable major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client-facing, analytical, written communication and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Knowledge of relevant delivery processes, standards, systems and governance for the role.
• Professional membership, chartership or specialist certification preferred where applicable.
• UAE or wider GCC experience is advantageous but should not replace demonstrable technical and delivery competence.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.