Project Director – High-Speed Rail (Civils & Track)
Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity to lead delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package on one of the region's most ambitious infrastructure programmes – the high-speed rail link connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Acting on behalf of a leading Joint Venture partner, this role sits at the forefront of programme delivery, with full accountability for a complex, multi-disciplinary scope across civil works, track systems, and critical interfaces.
Role Overview
The Project Director will provide end-to-end leadership of a major delivery package, ensuring safe, on-time, and commercially successful execution within a highly complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
You will act as the senior representative of the Joint Venture, interfacing at executive level with the client, consortium partners, consultants, and authorities, while maintaining full control of internal delivery performance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of a multi-billion-dollar civils and trackwork package across the high-speed rail corridor
* Provide strategic direction across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
* Manage multi-disciplinary railway scope, including:
* Civil infrastructure (earthworks, structures, viaducts)
* Track systems and alignment
* Depot and interface coordination
* Oversee programme, cost, risk, and performance management
* Drive robust commercial governance, including:
* Contract administration
* Claims and change management
* Risk mitigation strategies
* Act as the primary JV interface with client, partners, and authorities
* Ensure effective integration across consortium partners and supply chain
* Build and lead a high-performing project organisation, embedding strong delivery culture and accountability
* Ensure compliance with all local regulatory, safety, and quality standards
Candidate Profile
* BSc in Civil Engineering (essential); MSc in Construction Management or similar preferred
* Minimum 25 years' experience in large-scale infrastructure delivery
* Minimum 15 years in railway / high-speed rail projects
* Proven track record as Project Director or equivalent on major rail programmes
* Strong experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary rail scopes (civils, track, systems interfaces, depots)
* Demonstrated success operating within Joint Ventures / international consortiums
* Deep understanding of Middle East project environments, ideally UAE/GCC
* Strong commercial and contractual expertise, including claims, risk, and change control
* Proven ability to operate at executive stakeholder level while maintaining delivery control
* PMP or equivalent certification advantageous
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
Why This Role
* Landmark infrastructure programme of global significance
* True programme-level leadership with executive exposure
* Opportunity to shape delivery on a next-generation high-speed rail network
* Long-term, high-impact role within a complex international JV environment