Metro Design Director — Large-Scale Rail & Stations Lead

SYSTRA; Makkah Region; On-site; SAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA is seeking an experienced Project Director - Design to lead the full design scope of a major metro project in Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. You will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with consultants and authorities, and ensure design delivery meets safety, quality and schedule objectives.

The role requires 25+ years in large rail projects, familiarity with FIDIC contracts, and a proven ability to drive multi-office delivery across complex interfaces.

Qualifications

• 25+ years of experience in major metro or rail projects.
• Proven track record delivering complex transport infrastructure from concept to construction support.
• Familiarity with FIDIC contracts and large public-sector programs.
• Experience managing international consultants and multi-office teams.
• Strong understanding of station design, rail systems integration, and urban infrastructure interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead full design scope of a major metro project in Mekkah.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and external partners.
• Develop and implement the design delivery strategy, execution plans and resource planning.
• Ensure design outputs are delivered on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Oversee coordination across civil, structural, architectural, track, systems, stations, depot and interfaces.
• Lead design reviews, workshops and value engineering initiatives.
• Manage stakeholder coordination with clients, authorities and operators.
• Direct interface management between design packages and with construction, testing and operations teams.
• Monitor design progress, identify risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Support procurement, tender documentation and technical bid evaluations.
• Provide executive reporting on design status, risks, budget and schedule.

Skills

Project leadership

Design management

Rail/metro experience

Stakeholder management

Contract management (FIDIC)

Cross-functional coordination

Mentoring/people leadership

Job description

SYSTRA is seeking an experienced Project Director - Design to lead the full design scope of a major metro project in Mekkah, Saudi Arabia. You will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with consultants and authorities, and ensure design delivery meets safety, quality and schedule objectives.

The role requires 25+ years in large rail projects, familiarity with FIDIC contracts, and a proven ability to drive multi-office delivery across complex interfaces.