Program Director - Rail

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Job Description:

Parsons is seeking an exceptional Program Director to lead the delivery of a landmark multi-stage, multi-discipline rail consultancy programme in the UAE. In this role you will serve as the principal representative of the Parsons-led consultancy team, accountable to the Client for all aspects of programme delivery across all project stages: Feasibility and Concept Design, Preliminary Design, Tender Documentation and Design & Construct Contract Award, Design Review and Contract Administration, and Defects Liability and Project Close-Out. The role demands a thorough understanding of rail-airport integration, and the gravitas to lead complex, multi-stakeholder programmes at the highest level.

What You'll Be Doing:

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! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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