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Project Director -Transport Strategy and Integrated Mobility

SYSTRA Arabia · Makkah, Saudi Arabia

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We are seeking a highly accomplished Project Director to provide strategic leadership in shaping and guiding the Client’s long-term transport agenda. This role will act as a senior advisor and delivery leader, responsible for driving the development of integrated transport strategies, master plans, regulatory frameworks, and institutional coordination models that support regional growth, economic development, and sustainable mobility outcomes.The Project Director will play a critical role in aligning transport priorities with wider government objectives, translating strategic vision into implementable programs, and fostering effective collaboration across public and private sector stakeholders. The role requires a leader who can provide strategic direction, influence decision-making at senior levels, and ensure that major transport initiatives deliver long-term value, resilience, and network integration across the region.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Transport LeadershipLead the definition and evolution of the Client’s long-term transport vision, ensuring that all strategies, master plans, and programs are aligned with broader national, regional, economic, and urban development priorities. Drive a strategic approach to mobility planning that supports sustainable growth, social inclusion, network efficiency, and future readiness.Provide executive oversight of major transport studies, policies, and planning initiatives, ensuring they move beyond short-term delivery needs and contribute to a coherent and integrated transport ecosystem.Policy, Governance, and Institutional AlignmentProvide strategic review and assessment of transport-related strategies, policies, and plans submitted by ministries, authorities, and government entities to ensure consistency with the Client’s mandate and alignment with national priorities. Advise on sector implications, policy gaps, and opportunities to strengthen institutional effectiveness and governance.Support the development of governance frameworks, decision-making mechanisms, and cross-sector coordination models that improve accountability, clarity of roles, and alignment across stakeholders involved in transport planning and delivery.Public-Private Partnership and Market DevelopmentShape and promote innovative business and delivery models that expand the role of the private and non-profit sectors in achieving transport objectives. Identify strategic opportunities for partnership, investment, and market participation that enhance service quality, efficiency, and long-term sector sustainability.Guide the development of incentive frameworks, participation models, and partnership structures that encourage responsible private sector engagement, while maintaining public value and regulatory oversight.Integrated Network and Infrastructure StrategyOversee the strategic planning of public transport networks, corridors, routes, and facilities to ensure integrated, demand-responsive, and future-oriented mobility solutions. Ensure that network development supports land use priorities, regional connectivity, and efficient multimodal integration.Provide strategic direction on the identification, prioritization, and safeguarding of transport assets and land required for current and future infrastructure development, in line with the Client’s planning and allocation procedures.Regulatory and Technical LeadershipLead the development of high-level technical, operational, and safety frameworks that support a modern, reliable, and compliant transport system across all modes. Ensure that regulatory and technical requirements are designed not only for compliance, but also to improve system performance, user experience, and long-term sector maturity.Guide collaboration with competent authorities to establish consistent operating requirements, approval pathways, and standards that enable effective implementation and oversight.Commercial Strategy, Revenue, and FundingProvide strategic oversight of fare policy, licensing structures, service fees, and revenue collection frameworks to ensure financial transparency, commercial sustainability, and alignment with broader accessibility and mobility objectives.Advise on funding approaches and commercial mechanisms that support network expansion, operational sustainability, and value-for-money outcomes for the public sector.Stakeholder Leadership and Executive EngagementServe as a senior focal point for coordination among government entities, transport authorities, delivery partners, and external stakeholders. Build alignment around common transport priorities and ensure that strategic initiatives are supported by effective governance, communication, and shared accountability.Lead engagement with senior decision-makers, including C-level and board-level stakeholders, providing clear recommendations, executive briefings, and strategic insight to support informed decision-making.Sector Oversight and Performance TransformationProvide strategic oversight of licensed operators, service providers, and regulated entities to ensure that transport services meet defined standards of safety, quality, reliability, and customer focus. Support the evolution of the sector through stronger oversight models, service accountability, and performance improvement frameworks.Establish and champion performance management systems, metrics, and reporting structures that provide actionable insights into network integration, service quality, system capacity, and operational effectiveness.Strategic Problem Solving and Continuous ImprovementLead the identification and resolution of critical transport sector challenges through evidence-based analysis, scenario planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Translate complex issues into practical strategic recommendations that support policy improvement, service enhancement, and long-term resilience.Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and data-driven decision-making across transport initiatives and stakeholder interfaces.Experience and skillsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Transport Engineering, or a related field.Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in transport planning/ Transport Policy Advisory with at least 10 years in senior project leadership roles involving multi-modal, multi-stakeholder initiatives.Extensive experience in developing and implementing urban/regional transport strategies and master plans in the GCC/ Middle East.Proven ability to manage public-private partnerships and navigate complex regulatory environments.Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.Ability to deliver C-Level/ Board PresentationsProficient in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.Key Competencies:Strategic Transport Vision & LeadershipMaster Planning & Project IntegrationStakeholder & Partnership ManagementRegulatory Compliance & GovernanceTechnical & Safety Standards DevelopmentFinancial & Fare StructuringAnalytical Decision-MakingQuality & Performance ManagementStrong team playerTransparency