Project Director - Rail Infrastructure

About the Employer

Our client is a long-established and highly experienced construction and infrastructure group in Saudi Arabia with a legacy spanning over 40 years. Their expertise covers civil construction, infrastructure, roads, bridges, railways, water, energy, buildings, and specialized industrial projects. They have delivered a broad range of major infrastructure developments across Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region. Currently, their portfolio includes projects valued at over SAR 50 billion, encompassing significant national infrastructure and development programs, including well-proven railway projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Project Director who has a robust history in managing and delivering large scale railway, transportation, or infrastructure projects. The selected candidate will hold complete leadership accountability for the execution of a multi-billion SAR railway infrastructure project, based onsite in Western Saudi Arabia. This role demands strategic and operational oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle, liaising closely with senior client stakeholders, consultants, joint venture partners, specialist contractors, and internal teams.

The project scope involves comprehensive delivery of railway and related civil infrastructure, such as track laying, stations, depots, earthworks, structures, roadways, utilities, drainage systems, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) works, landscaping, and interfacing with specialized railway system components.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set the overall direction and leadership for the project, crafting a clear and effective delivery strategy.
• Assume full accountability across project areas including scheduling, cost, quality, health, safety, environment (HSE), and timely delivery.
• Lead project mobilisation activities establishing the project organization, governance framework, and delivery structures.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams spanning construction, engineering, commercial functions, planning, procurement, HSE, and quality assurance/control.
• Supervise the execution of major civil, structural, railway, and connected infrastructure components.
• Coordinate efficiently between design, construction, railway infrastructure, and specialized systems integration.
• Develop and uphold robust project schedules ensuring critical milestones are met.
• Oversee commercial aspects including cost control, variation management, claims, and contractual compliance.
• Manage key subcontractors, suppliers, consulting partners, and collaborators.
• Foster productive relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, consultants, and all primary stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and capitalize on opportunities to address critical delivery challenges.
• Maintain uncompromising standards of health, safety, environmental and quality performance.
• Ensure strict compliance with relevant Saudi Arabian regulations, project specifications, and contractual terms.
• Provide frequent status reports and strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Oversee project phases from construction through testing, commissioning, and formal handover.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Minimum of 20 years professional experience with a focus on large-scale infrastructure, construction, transportation, or railway projects.
• Proven leadership at Project Director level managing sizable projects or programs valued in the multi-billion SAR or USD range.
• Extensive experience within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly strong familiarity with Saudi Arabia's infrastructure sector is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex multidisciplinary teams and manage large-scale project interfaces.
• Strong background in civil infrastructure and construction practices.
• Solid understanding of commercial, contractual, and procurement principles.
• Experience collaborating within major contractor environments, joint ventures, or consortiums.
• Depth in project control measures including program management, risk mitigation, HSE protocols, and quality assurance/control.
• Excellent communication capabilities, with demonstrated proficiency in stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience working with major Saudi clients, governmental agencies, consultants, and international joint venture partners is a distinct advantage.

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, Railway Engineering, Infrastructure, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree and/or recognized project management certifications are advantageous.
• Professional credentials such as Chartered Engineer (CEng), Project Management Professional (PMP), or equivalents are desirable.