Project Director - Rail Infrastructure

Our client is one of Saudi Arabia's established and highly experienced construction and infrastructure groups, with a track record spanning more than four decades across civil construction, infrastructure, roads, bridges, railways, water, energy, buildings and specialist industrial projects.The Group has delivered an extensive portfolio of major infrastructure developments across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Its current portfolio represents more than SAR 50 billion in project value, encompassing major national infrastructure and development programmes with a proven track record of successfully delivered rail infrastructure projects with KSA.The Role:We are seeking an established Project Director with a substantial track record of delivering major railway, transportation or infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will take overall leadership responsibility for the delivery of a multi-billion SAR railway infrastructure project, based on site in Western Saudi. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the full project lifecycle, working with senior client representatives, consultants, JV/consortium partners, specialist contractors and internal project teams.The project will encompass the delivery of major railway and associated civil infrastructure, including track, stations, depots, earthworks, structures, roads, utilities, drainage, MEP, landscaping and interfaces with specialist railway systems.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide overall leadership and direction for the project and establish a clear delivery strategy.Take full accountability for project performance across programme, cost, quality, HSE and delivery.Lead project mobilisation and establish the project organisation, governance and delivery structure.Manage large multidisciplinary teams across construction, engineering, commercial, planning, procurement, HSE and QA/QC.Oversee the delivery of major civil, structural, railway and associated infrastructure works.Ensure effective coordination between design, construction, railway infrastructure and specialist systems interfaces.Establish and maintain robust project programmes and ensure critical milestones are achieved.Lead commercial performance, cost management, variations, claims and contractual obligations.Manage major subcontractors, suppliers, consultants and project partners.Develop effective relationships with the client, authorities, consultants and other key stakeholders.Identify and proactively manage project risks, opportunities and critical delivery issues.Maintain the highest standards of HSE, quality and environmental performance.Ensure compliance with Saudi regulations, project specifications and contractual requirements.Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management.Lead the project through construction, testing, commissioning and handover as required.Candidate Profile:Essential Requirements20+ years' professional experience within major infrastructure, construction, transportation or railway projects.Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-billion SAR/USD projects or programmes.Strong GCC experience, with significant Saudi Arabia experience highly preferred.Demonstrable experience operating at Project Director level with overall responsibility for major project delivery.Strong civil infrastructure and construction background.Experience managing complex multidisciplinary teams and major project interfaces.Strong commercial and contractual understanding.Experience working within major contractor, JV or consortium environments.Strong understanding of project controls, programme management, risk, HSE and QA/QC.Excellent stakeholder-management and communication skills.Experience with major Saudi clients, government entities, consultants and international JV partners would be highly advantageous.EducationBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, Railway Engineering, Infrastructure or a related discipline.Master's degree and/or recognised project management qualification advantageous.Professional accreditation such as Chartered Engineer, PMP or equivalent would be beneficial.