Project Director - Rail Infrastructure

AECOM Corporation; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

AECOM seeks a Project Director to lead a major rail infrastructure program in Dubai, UAE. The role requires strategic direction, governance, and delivery across planning, design and commissioning, with strong TBM tunneling and railway project experience.

The successful candidate will manage multidisciplinary teams, engage with government authorities and delivery partners, maintain safety and quality, and ensure schedule, cost and performance objectives are met in a complex, high‑profile project.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in large infrastructure or transportation project management.
• 10+ years on railway projects of comparable scale and complexity.
• 5+ years in the Middle East.
• Proven leadership of large teams (>50).
• TBM tunneling experience is mandatory.
• Knowledge of PMI/PRINCE2 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, construction and commissioning across the rail project.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and expenditure controls.
• Oversee procurement, contracts and commercial activities.
• Ensure safety, quality, cost and schedule objectives are met.
• Engage with government authorities and client partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

TBM tunneling

Budget & financial management

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiations

Regulatory compliance

Project governance

Risk management

English communication

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Contract management systems

Job description

Project Director - Rail Infrastructure Job Snapshot - Role: Project Director - Rail Infrastructure - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Civil Engineering - Function: Project Management - Experience: Minimum 20 years in infrastructure or transportation project management, including 10 years in railway projects and at least 5 years in the Middle East - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

AECOM is seeking an accomplished Project Director to lead a major rail infrastructure project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This senior leadership position carries responsibility for the strategic direction, management, and successful delivery of a large-scale transportation development, from initial planning and design through construction and commissioning. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience managing complex railway projects, including high-speed rail, urban rail transit, or comparable transportation infrastructure. Strong technical knowledge of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunneling is essential, alongside demonstrated expertise in project governance, financial management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement. As Project Director, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee project performance, manage relationships with government authorities and delivery partners, and ensure that safety, quality, cost, and programme objectives remain central to project execution.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Industry: Civil Engineering

Function: Project Management

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Full Time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership - Direct the overall delivery of the rail infrastructure project across planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Establish project priorities and ensure execution remains aligned with organizational objectives, approved schedules, and contractual commitments.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to engineering, planning, construction, and administrative teams.
• Oversee the coordination of multidisciplinary activities to maintain effective project delivery.
• Monitor project performance against agreed milestones, key performance indicators, and delivery objectives.
• Identify emerging challenges and implement appropriate corrective measures to protect project outcomes.
• Promote effective project management practices and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets, financial forecasts, and expenditure controls.
• Monitor project costs and financial performance to maintain budget discipline and support value optimization.
• Oversee commercial activities associated with major infrastructure project delivery.
• Lead contract negotiations and coordinate procurement activities in accordance with project requirements.
• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to support effective resource allocation and project execution.
• Evaluate financial and commercial risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Provide financial performance updates and recommendations to senior management.
• Provide executive oversight of engineering and construction activities associated with complex railway infrastructure.
• Ensure appropriate coordination between design, construction, and commissioning teams.
• Apply experience in high‑speed rail, rail transit, and major transportation developments to guide project decisions.
• Oversee technical coordination relating to tunneling activities, including Tunnel Boring Machine operations.
• Monitor construction progress and address technical or operational issues that could affect project milestones.
• Ensure project execution meets applicable technical specifications, quality requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Support the adoption of innovative engineering approaches and established infrastructure delivery practices.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, regulatory authorities, clients, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities to facilitate regulatory approvals and project implementation requirements.
• Represent the project in strategic discussions with senior stakeholders and external delivery partners.
• Manage complex stakeholder interfaces and resolve issues affecting project coordination.
• Maintain clear communication regarding project objectives, progress, risks, and delivery priorities.
• Support effective decision‑making through timely consultation and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and assess technical, financial, operational, and delivery risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop risk mitigation measures and contingency strategies to address potential disruptions.
• Ensure project activities comply with applicable UAE regulations and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee adherence to established construction safety standards and environmental obligations.
• Monitor project quality and safety performance and ensure corrective action is taken when required.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of project controls and risk management procedures.
• Lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary project teams comprising engineers, planners, administrative personnel, and other project professionals.
• Establish clear responsibilities, reporting arrangements, and performance expectations across the project organization.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and effective communication between project disciplines.
• Guide project teams in resolving competing priorities and complex delivery challenges.
• Support professional development and effective performance management within the project team.
• Maintain project governance arrangements that support informed decisions and consistent delivery performance.
• Prepare and present detailed project reports, performance assessments, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and board members.
• Provide regular updates on programme progress, financial performance, project risks, and critical delivery issues.
• Monitor performance indicators and assess progress against approved project objectives.
• Recommend corrective actions where project performance differs from established targets.
• Communicate significant project developments and decisions to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain visibility of key project commitments and delivery priorities.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 20 years of progressive professional experience in large‑scale infrastructure or transportation project management.
• At least 10 years of experience working on railway projects of comparable scale and complexity.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the Middle East.
• Proven track record leading high‑speed rail, rail transit, or similarly complex transportation infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience with Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunneling is mandatory.
• Advanced knowledge of recognized project management methodologies, including PMI, PRINCE2, or equivalent approaches.
• Strong financial management capabilities, including experience overseeing multi‑million‑dollar project budgets and cost control.
• Extensive experience in stakeholder management and engagement with government authorities.
• Proficiency in project management applications such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or comparable software.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams of more than 50 personnel.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing procurement activities on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including executive‑level presentation abilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic project environment while managing multiple priorities.

Regional and Regulatory Knowledge

• Experience working on major infrastructure developments within the Middle East is required.
• Knowledge of the UAE regulatory framework and experience working on UAE projects are preferred.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with regulatory authorities, government agencies, and major infrastructure stakeholders.

Professional Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of strategic vision, technical understanding, and disciplined project execution. The position requires a leader capable of directing large multidisciplinary teams, managing substantial financial commitments, navigating complex contractual relationships, and maintaining effective communication with senior decision‑makers. A strong commitment to safety, quality, project governance, and successful infrastructure delivery is essential.

Recruitment and Onboarding

AECOM is committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and takes fraudulent recruitment activities seriously. All newly hired employees must attend an in‑person Day1 onboarding session at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Employee Benefits and Career Development

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and disability benefits.
• Paid time off and applicable leave arrangements.
• Employee assistance programmes and well‑being resources.
• Business travel insurance and service recognition awards.
• Retirement savings arrangements and employee stock purchase plan participation.
• Voluntary benefits and other employee programmes.

AECOM also provides access to professional training and development programmes designed to strengthen technical expertise, project management capabilities, and leadership skills.

Working at AECOM

At AECOM, infrastructure development brings together engineering expertise, technical innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The Project Director will have the opportunity to lead a significant rail infrastructure development while working with professionals across engineering, planning, construction, and programme management disciplines. AECOM supports professional growth through its global network of specialists, development programmes, and opportunities to contribute to infrastructure projects that serve communities and support long‑term development.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering advisory, planning, design, engineering, programme management, and construction management services. The company works with public‑and private‑sector clients across transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environmental infrastructure. Its teams develop sustainable and resilient solutions to complex infrastructure challenges throughout the project lifecycle. With more than 50,000 professionals worldwide, AECOM brings together engineers, planners, designers, scientists, construction managers, and other specialists to deliver projects across international markets. AECOM is a Fortune500 company that reported revenue of $16.1billion in fiscal year 2025. AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and handles applicant information confidentially in accordance with its equal employment opportunity guidelines.

Job Reference: J10151698 Business Line: Transportation Business Group: DCS Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa Career Area: Program and Project Management