Project Controls Director

-; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm based in Abu Dhabi seeks a Project Controls Director to lead project controls for the UAE High-Speed Rail project. The role requires over 20 years of experience in project controls and a strong background in high-speed rail. Key responsibilities include managing Planning, Risk Management, and Document Control, preparing executive-level reports, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential. Competitive compensation and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive medical insurance

Paid annual leave

Discretionary bonus program

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in project controls, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail.
• Expert-level understanding of EVM and risk management frameworks.
• Strong skills in preparing executive-level reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the consultant-side project controls function for the UAE High-Speed Rail Project.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic reporting.
• Manage the Project Controls department effectively.

Skills

Project controls leadership

Risk management

Planning expertise

Document control

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree or Chartered status (preferred)

Tools

Primavera P6

TILOS

Job description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Project Controls Director in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, 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 unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Learn more about our career opportunities at: https://careers.atkinsrealis.com

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Project Controls Director to lead the consultant-side project controls function for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project - Phase 1. This role oversees Planning, Risk Management, Document Control, Reporting, and Interface Coordination, ensuring compliance with the Contract and alignment with UAE Rail\'s programme governance.

In addition to departmental leadership, the Project Controls Director serves as the primary contact for Project/Programme Intelligence, responsible for preparing executive-level presentations and strategic reporting in collaboration with UAE Rail. The role also includes working closely with the Commercial Department to support the preparation and substantiation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, ensuring alignment with programme data and contractual obligations.

Key Requirements and Accountabilities

Sector Experience

• Proven experience in project controls leadership on large-scale rail infrastructure programmes, preferably high-speed rail (HSR) above 250 km/h.
• Familiarity with, FIDIC contracts, and UAE Rail standards, preferably UAE infrastructure delivery frameworks.

Departmental Oversight

• Lead and manage the Project Controls department, including:
• Planning (Primavera P6, TILOS)
• Risk Management (Risk Register, QSRA,QCRA, mitigation strategies)
• Document Control (DSR, DCC workflows)
• Reporting (Daily, Weekly, Monthly Progress Reports)
• Interface Coordination (CIP, interface matrices)
• Ensure integration and consistency across all controls disciplines and compliance with the Contract.

Project/Programme Intelligence & Executive Reporting

• Act as the main point of contact for Project/Programme Intelligence.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic dashboards for UAE Rail and internal leadership.
• Translate complex programme data into clear, visual, and actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Support bid interviews, steering committee briefings, and strategic forums.

Extension of Time (EOT) Support

• Collaborate with the Commercial Department to prepare and respond to EOT claims.
• Ensure programme data, delay analysis, and critical path impacts are accurately reflected in claim documentation.
• Support substantiation of contractual entitlements and mitigation strategies.

Programme Controls & Reporting

• Oversee the Programme Basis Memorandum (PBM), Baseline Programme updates, and Time-Chainage Diagrams.
• Validate earned value metrics, float analysis, and critical path reporting across packages.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all contractual reporting requirements.

Risk Management Oversight

• Ensure the Risk Manager maintains a compliant and dynamic Risk Register.
• Review Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA) and Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA) reports and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure risk-related deliverables (monthly reports, lessons learned, contingency plans) are submitted on time and meet contractual standards.

Document Control & Compliance

• Oversee the Document Control Center (DCC) and ensure alignment with the Document Submittal Register (DSR).
• Ensure all document workflows, coding structures, and review cycles are integrated with the programme and reporting systems.

Interface Management

• Coordinate with the Interface Manager to ensure cross-package and stakeholder interfaces are tracked, resolved, and reported.
• Ensure updates to the Coordinated Interface Programme (CIP) are reflected in programme and reporting tools.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with UAE Rail, contractors, and internal leadership on all controls-related matters.
• Support progress review meetings (weekly, monthly, ad hoc) and ensure controls data is presented clearly and accurately.
• Ensure transparency, traceability, and consistency in all controls-related communications.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor Planning, Risk, Reporting, and Document Control leads.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of controls personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field (Master\'s or Chartered status preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in project controls, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or major infrastructure programmes.
• Expert-level understanding of Primavera P6, TILOS, EVM, and risk management frameworks (ISO 31000 preferred).
• Strong presentation skills; experience preparing executive-level reports and dashboards.
• Experience supporting EOT claims and working with commercial teams on contractual matters.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Paid Annual leave.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

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.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.