Project Director - Rail

Parsons Oman; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 550,000 - 735,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Project Director to manage a transformative multi-billion-dollar rail development in the UAE. This pivotal role requires expertise in leading major rail infrastructure projects, maintaining adherence to international standards for safety and quality. The ideal candidate will have at least 20 years of experience and a proven history of delivering large-scale rail programs. Responsibilities include managing teams, overseeing design coordination, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This role offers a chance to shape the future of rail transportation in the region.

Qualifications

• 20 years' experience in managing design, construction, and commissioning of rail projects.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the Middle East on high-value rail programs.
• Proven record of delivering a major rail project as Project Director.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full project lifecycle from design to commissioning.
• Define project execution frameworks and ensure compliance.
• Negotiate and manage contracts while maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Management of major rail infrastructure projects

Stakeholder engagement

Project controls

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Tools

Digital project delivery tools (BIM, digital twins, PMIS)

Job description

Job Description

Parsons is seeking an accomplished Project Director to lead one of the most ambitious rail developments in the Middle East— a transformative initiative redefining intercity mobility and sustainable transportation across the UAE.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the end-to-end delivery of a multi-billion-dollar rail program, driving excellence across design, construction, systems integration, and commissioning. You will ensure that the project meets the highest international standards for safety, quality, sustainability, and innovation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the full project lifecycle from design development and procurement through construction, testing, and commissioning, ensuring adherence to performance, safety, and quality standards.
• Define and enforce project execution frameworks, including the Project Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, and Quality Management Plan, in compliance with UAE and international railway regulations.
• Act as the primary interface with the Client, regulatory authorities, and key contractors, maintaining alignment on project objectives, deliverables, and financial controls.
• Oversee design coordination and systems integration across track, structures, MEP, signaling, rolling stock, and operational readiness.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, variations, and scope changes, safeguarding project interests while maintaining collaborative relationships with all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Parsons’ executive leadership and Business Development to capture lessons learned and position the company for continued growth within the regional rail market.
• Lead engagement with Abu Dhabi authorities, public agencies, and regional partners to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with national infrastructure priorities.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring technical excellence, accountability, and performance in all workstreams.
• Drive value engineering, risk management, and cost optimization strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Champion a culture of health, safety, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring the project exemplifies international best practice.
• Monitor and report on project milestones, performance metrics, and risks to senior management and the Client, ensuring proactive issue resolution.
• Establish regular executive and technical review meetings to maintain strategic oversight and reinforce delivery accountability.
• Perform other leadership responsibilities consistent with the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred.
• Minimum 20 years’ experience managing design, construction, and commissioning of major rail infrastructure projects, including complex, high-value programs.
• At least 5 years’ experience in the Middle East with proven success on large-scale metro, mainline, or high-speed rail programs.
• Demonstrated record of successfully delivering at least one major rail project as Project Director or equivalent role.
• Experience with High-Speed Rail implementation is highly desirable.
• Proven capability to manage projects exceeding USD 2 billion in total installed cost.
• Strong background in project controls, stakeholder engagement, and risk governance across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence executive and ministerial levels.
• Deep understanding of international rail standards, safety systems, and digital project delivery tools (BIM, digital twins, PMIS).
• Inspirational leadership style that fosters innovation, collaboration, and performance across multicultural teams.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Program delivered on time, within budget, and meets all safety, quality, and sustainability objectives.
• Governance, assurance, and reporting frameworks are fully established and consistently applied across all projects.
• Parsons is recognized by the Client as a trusted advisor ensuring transparency, control, and predictable delivery.
• Multidisciplinary teams operate cohesively under unified processes and digital PMO systems.
• Risks, interfaces, and stakeholder issues are proactively managed to maintain programme momentum and confidence.

EEO Statement

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

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