Programme Director - Rail

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Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• 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, program governance, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current technologies, digital project delivery platforms (PMIS/BIM), and data-driven performance management.
• Commitment to health, safety, environment, and quality excellence.
  
  
  

What Success Looks Like

• The project achieves key milestones safely, on schedule, and within approved cost and quality targets.
• Design, construction, and systems integration activities are effectively coordinated under PMC oversight.
• Parsons maintains strong Client confidence through transparent reporting and responsive leadership.
• Project controls, risk, and change management processes ensure predictable and auditable delivery.
• The project is viewed as a model of collaboration, digital efficiency, and sustainability excellence.
  
  
  

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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