Programme Director - Rail

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Are you ready to take your engineering and management expertise to the next level on one of the most ambitious rail projects in the Middle East? Parsons is seeking a visionary Programme Director to lead the delivery of a world-class rail initiative that will transform regional connectivity and sustainable mobility across the UAE.

Parsons’ long-standing experience in programme management, combined with your leadership and technical experience, will drive the successful execution of a complex, high-profile, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program. In this role, you will provide vision, direction, and governance across all disciplines, ensuring that safety, quality, schedule, and sustainability objectives are consistently achieved.

• Acts as the Company’s primary representative with the client, regulatory authorities, and key partners throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Lead the strategic direction and execution of all business, technical, construction and commissioning phases – ensuring adherence to technical excellence, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of the Program Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, and related control documents.
• Establishes the program requirements for all areas of the project and monitors the draft and final deliverables for adherence to these criteria.
• Ensure that robust governance, reporting, and assurance frameworks are in place to maintain transparency, accountability, and performance throughout program delivery.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, variations, and scope changes (including Parsons’) with the Client and major contractors, maintaining strict control of cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Lead programme-wide risk and opportunity management processes to anticipate challenges and capitalize on efficiencies.
• Oversee the mobilization and performance of Parsons and partner resources across offices and project sites, fostering a high-performance culture built on collaboration and integrity.
• Champion digital project delivery by leveraging Parsons’ PMIS platforms, BIM-based lifecycle tools, and data analytics to enhance decision-making and performance reporting.
• Promotes technical and commercial excellence on the project through application of Quality Assurance processes.
• Promote and embed sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement in design, construction, and operations.
• Provide strategic leadership in stakeholder and interface management, ensuring effective coordination between Client, regulatory bodies, operators, and delivery partners.
• Monitor and report to executive management on progress, risks, and performance, ensuring the achievement of key milestones and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Establish and chair regular progress and governance meetings to review program status, risks, and actions.
• Act as an ambassador for Parsons’ values and commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer status highly preferred.
• Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the management of design and/or construction of major rail or infrastructure programs.
• Proven experience in leading programs above $8 billion in value including complex stakeholder environments.
• At least 5 years of experience in the Middle East, ideally within the UAE or GCC rail sector.
• Demonstrated experience in high-speed or metro rail implementation is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and align large, multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth understanding of FIDIC, D&B and similar contract models,…