Project Director – Civils & Stations

Atkins Realis; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Project Director to oversee the delivery of civil works and station construction for a major rail infrastructure project. The successful candidate will have over 20 years of experience, particularly in high-speed rail, and will be responsible for managing complex interfaces and ensuring compliance with international standards. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role, which offers a tax-free salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Flexible work solutions

Remote work opportunities

Relocation assistance

Transportation & housing allowances

Discretionary bonus program

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or large-scale projects.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent is a plus.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of civil works and station construction.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and government authorities.
• Enforce HSE standards and compliance with international standards.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Communication skills

Negotiation

Knowledge of international railway standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Overview

The Project Director will lead the delivery of civil works and station construction for a major rail infrastructure project. This includes overseeing design, construction, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring compliance with international standards. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to manage complex interfaces between civil and rail systems.

Your role

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of civil and station works, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Act as the primary liaison with clients, contractors, consultants, and government authorities.
• Supervise design reviews, construction activities, and ensure integration with other rail systems (signaling, telecom, MEP, etc.).
• Enforce HSE standards, conduct audits, and ensure adherence to international railway and construction standards (e.g. EN50126, EN50121, EN50122).
• Manage contracts, claims, variations, and ensure financial control and risk mitigation.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, and site managers.

About you

• Location - UAE (Abu Dhabi / Dubai / Sharjah).
• Industry - Rail / Infrastructure / Civil Engineering.
• Minimum 20+ years of experience required (with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or large-scale civil infrastructure projects).
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field (Master's preferred).
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent is a plus.
• Proven experience in high-speed rail or large-scale infrastructure projects in the GCC.
• Strong knowledge of international railway standards and civil engineering principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax‑free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• 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, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.