Programme Director / Project Director - Rail

Mace; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Job summary

Mace is looking for a lead professional to drive senior rail programme delivery in the UAE. You will steer multi‑disciplinary teams, shape programme strategy and ensure governance, risk and commercial performance across major rail projects in Dubai.

Successful candidates will have rail or major infrastructure delivery experience, strong client facing and leadership capabilities, and a commitment to safety and sustainability. Flexible/hybrid options may be discussed where suitable.

Qualifications

• Leads the development and delivery of programme, account and project strategies to translate client vision into outcomes.
• Builds trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, providing governance and executive engagement.
• Drives growth, market positioning and account development through strong client relationships.
• Champions safety, service excellence, sustainability, digital innovation and improvement.
• Provides leadership for multidisciplinary teams and fosters high performance and collaboration.
• Ensures governance, risk management, compliance and assurance frameworks are embedded.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Project management

Programme management

Planning

Commercial management

Engineering

Design management

Governance

Risk management

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

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.