Project Director – Rail & TBM Construction

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM seeks an experienced Project Director to lead a major rail project in Dubai. You will oversee planning, design, construction, and commissioning, while guiding a diverse team and engaging with government and regulatory bodies.

Strong PM leadership, TBM experience, and English communication are essential. The role demands deep expertise in budgets, risk management, and stakeholder relations to deliver on time, within scope, and with the highest safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in large infrastructure or transport PM.
• 10+ years in rail projects; ME experience preferred.
• Proven leadership of complex, high-speed rail programs.
• TBM tunneling experience required.
• PM methodologies: PMI/PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Strong budgets and cost control experience.
• Excellent stakeholder and government relations.
• Proficient in MS Project/Primavera P6 or similar.
• Leadership of 50+ cross-functional staff.
• Strong analytical, detail-oriented, organized.

Responsibilities

• Direct all phases: planning, design, construction, commissioning.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and cost controls.
• Maintain relations with government bodies and stakeholders.
• Lead engineers, planners, and admin staff; foster accountability.
• Identify and mitigate project risks with contingency plans.
• Monitor schedules and KPIs; apply corrective actions.
• Ensure UAE regulations, safety, and environmental standards.
• Present reports to senior leadership and the board.
• Oversee contracts, procurement, and vendor relations.
• Champion innovation and best practices in delivery.

Skills

Rail project mgmt

PMI/PRINCE2

Budget control

Stakeholder mgmt

Team leadership

MS Project

Primavera P6

Contract negotiations

Regulatory awareness

Communication in English

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Project Director to lead a Rail project iin Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of a large-scale, complex infrastructure project from conception through completion. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional project management expertise, decisive leadership, and the ability to navigate multifaceted stakeholder environments while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards.

• Direct and oversee all phases of the project, including planning, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and timelines
• Develop and manage comprehensive project budgets, financial forecasts, and cost control measures to ensure fiscal responsibility and value optimization
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, contractors, and key stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and smooth execution
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse project team, including engineers, planners, and administrative staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks through proactive analysis and implementation of contingency strategies
• Monitor project progress against established schedules and key performance indicators, implementing corrective actions as needed
• Ensure compliance with all applicable UAE regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements throughout project execution
• Prepare and present detailed project reports, status updates, and recommendations to senior leadership and board members
• Manage contract negotiations, procurement processes, and vendor relationships to optimize project delivery and resource allocation
• Champion innovation and best practices in project delivery methodologies and infrastructure development

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in large-scale infrastructure or transportation project management
• Minimum of 10 years within railway projects of similar magnitude of rail projects, with at least 5 years’ experience in Middle East
• Proven track record leading high-speed rail, rail transit, or comparable complex transportation projects
• TBM Tunneling experience is a necessity
• Advanced expertise in project management methodologies (PMI, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and cost control
• Excellent stakeholder management and government relations experience
• Proficiency in project management software and tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms)
• Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing cross-functional teams of 50+ personnel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and organizational excellence
• Experience with contract negotiation and procurement in infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of UAE regulatory framework and experience working on Middle East projects (preferred)
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills in English
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing competing priorities

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10151698

Business Line: Transportation

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: On-Site