Programme Director / Project Director - Rail

Mace Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace Group is seeking a senior leader to drive programme strategies and client engagement for major rail infrastructure projects in the UAE. The role involves governance, risk management, and delivering outcomes that align with client objectives.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure safety and quality, and foster a high-performing culture while advancing Mace’s position in a growing rail market. Flexible working options may be discussed for suitable roles.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in the relevant discipline.
• Experience on rail, metro, high-speed rail or major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client-facing, analytical and multidisciplinary coordination abilities.
• Knowledge of delivery processes, standards and governance for the role.
• Professional membership or chartership preferred where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Leads development and delivery of programme, account and project strategies aligned with client vision.
• Builds trusted relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders at executive level.
• Drives business growth, market positioning and account development through opportunities.
• Champions Mace values: safety, service excellence, sustainability, digital innovation and improvement.
• Provides leadership for multidisciplinary teams and fosters an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Ensures governance, risk, compliance and assurance frameworks are embedded for informed decisions.
• Oversees performance across safety, quality, programme, cost and sustainability; drives productivity.
• Influences strategic direction within Mace and the wider network to create lasting client value.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Multidisciplinary coordination

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

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.

To be part of the executive leadership of major rail programmes or projects, integrating governance, delivery partners, commercial performance and client outcomes.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leads the development and delivery of programme, account and project strategies, translating client vision into successful outcomes aligned with business objectives and long-term value creation.
• Builds and maintains trusted relationships with clients, partners and key stakeholders, providing strategic leadership, governance and executive engagement across complex environments.
• Drives business growth, market positioning and account development through strong client relationships, opportunity conversion and sustainable commercial performance.
• Champions Mace's values of safety first, service excellence, sustainability, digital innovation and continuous improvement across all aspects of delivery.
• Provides leadership for multidisciplinary teams, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture that develops capability, promotes collaboration and enables exceptional results.
• Ensures effective governance, risk management, compliance and assurance frameworks are embedded, supporting informed decision-making and successful programme outcomes.
• Oversees performance across safety, quality, programme, cost, sustainability and operational objectives, implementing corrective actions and driving productivity improvements where required.
• Influences strategic direction within the business and industry, leveraging expertise, innovation and the wider Mace network to create lasting value for clients and a sustainable business future.
• 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.

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