Program Director - Rail

Overview

Job Description

Program Direc

Programme Leadership

• Lead the multidisciplinary consultancy team across all project stages, ensuring delivery in line with the Client's programme management policies, the approved programme, budget, and quality requirements.
• Act as primary interface with the Client, relevant government authorities, and all project stakeholders; chair regular design workshops and charrettes as required by the contract.
• Establish and maintain the Programme Management Plan and all subsidiary management plans required under the Client's framework, with progressive updates throughout delivery.
• Mobilise and manage all project resources, including specialist sub-consultants, ensuring adequate staffing at all stages.

Technical Oversight

• Direct multidisciplinary design integration across civil, structural, systems, MEP, architecture, and rail disciplines, ensuring compliance with the Client's Rail Project Design Guidelines.
• Oversee airport-rail interface definition and coordination with airport stakeholders, including Mobility Hub, baggage handling, and security systems integration.
• Govern the project's BIM framework and Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) in line with PAS 1192, and oversee systems assurance, RAMS, hazard management, and V&V activities.
• Lead tender preparation for the Design & Construct contract and manage pre-qualification, tender administration, evaluation, and award.
• Administer the D&C contract, overseeing design review and approval, contractor submissions, cost and schedule management, and supervision through testing and commissioning.

Stakeholder & NOC Management

• Manage all stakeholder interfaces and coordinate the timely obtaining of NOCs from relevant Dubai authorities and service agencies.
• Manage all project correspondence through Aconex and maintain weekly, biweekly, and monthly reporting to the Client in agreed formats.

Commercial & Risk Management

• Monitor programme performance against baseline; manage risks, changes, and claims; drive value management and value engineering across all design stages.
• Oversee CAPEX/OPEX estimation, cost monitoring, and financial reporting in Client-required formats.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline; Master's degree an advantage. Professional certification (ICE, PMP, APM or equivalent) is desirable.
• Minimum 20 years' experience, with at least 10 years managing large-scale rail or metro infrastructure programmes at Project or Program Director level.
• Proven track record delivering major rail programmes — metro, commuter, or express rail — from feasibility through commissioning and close-out.
• Experience managing D&C contracts exceeding $1bn, and complex multi-stakeholder environments involving government authorities, airport operators, and utility agencies.
• Knowledge of rail systems integration (signalling, rolling stock, traction power, AFC, PSD, communications), airport-rail interface requirements, BIM/PAS 1192, systems assurance, and RAMS.
• Excellent English communication skills, Prior direct experience in the Middle East is a significant advantage.
• Professional certification or membership of a recognized institute is desirable.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring

• Familiarity with FIDIC-based consultancy agreements, IBM DOORS-NG/ELM, and Aconex.
• Experience on airport express, airport connector, or inter-terminal transit rail systems.
• Passenger flow modelling and peak demand analysis in airport or transit hub contexts.
• Knowledge of LEED certification, sustainability frameworks, and renewable energy integration in infrastructure projects.
• Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
• We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars!
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