International Rail Project Manager

1- MISSION

The International Rail Project Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of complex urban transport and railway projects across international markets. Based in Dubai, the role supports projects throughout the Middle East and globally, depending on business needs and opportunities. The position combines project management excellence, multidisciplinary technical leadership, client relationship management, and strong intercultural capabilities. The International Rail Project Manager acts as the primary interface between clients, stakeholders, project teams and company management, ensuring that projects are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule and to the required quality standards. The role requires a broad understanding of railway systems and infrastructure, together with the leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to guide diverse international teams in a multicultural environment. 

2- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Leadership and Delivery 

  -Lead the planning, execution, monitoring and closing of railway and urban transport projects throughout their lifecycle.  -Define project governance, execution strategies, schedules, resource plans and delivery methodologies.  -Manage project performance in terms of scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk and opportunities.  -Ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled and proactively manage claims, variations and commercial issues.  -Report project status to clients and senior management through regular governance processes.  -Ensure compliance with company procedures, quality management systems and applicable international standards.   

• Technical Management 

  -Provide multidisciplinary technical oversight across railway systems and infrastructure disciplines. -Coordinate technical interfaces between disciplines and ensure consistency of project deliverables.  -Challenge technical solutions and support engineering teams in identifying optimal, practical, and cost-effective approaches.  -Ensure that operational, systems and infrastructure requirements are properly integrated.   

• Client and Stakeholder Management 

  -Act as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.  -Build and maintain long-term relationships with transport authorities, operators, contractors, designers and partners.  -Facilitate effective communication among multicultural and geographically dispersed project teams.  -Lead negotiations and support conflict resolution in a constructive and collaborative manner.  -Represent the company in meetings, workshops, technical reviews, and commercial discussions.   

• Risk and Opportunity Management 

  -Establish and maintain project risk registers.  -Anticipate project risks and define appropriate mitigation actions.  -Promote proactive decision-making and opportunity management.  -Ensure lessons learned are captured and shared across the organisation.   

• Commercial and Business Development Support 

  -Contribute to proposal preparation, bid management, and tender submissions.  -Support business development initiatives within the Middle East and international markets.  -Identify opportunities for additional services and project extensions.  -Participate in strategic client engagement and key account management activities.   

• International and Intercultural Dimension 

  -Operate effectively in multicultural environments involving clients, partners and project teams from different countries and backgrounds.  -Demonstrate cultural awareness and adaptability when working across regions and business cultures.  -Facilitate collaboration between local and international teams.  -Be willing to travel regularly and support projects outside the Middle East region when required.  -Promote an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working environment. 

3- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Transportation, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in railway and urban transport projects.

• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering projects in an international environment.

• Experience in metro, light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, or mainline railway projects.

• Understanding of railway systems, operations and infrastructure interfaces.

• Experience with major public transportation authorities and international clients.

• PMP, Prince2 or equivalent project management certification is desirable. 

  Languages:

  -English: mandatory, fluent written and spoken  -French is highly desirable.  -Additional languages such as Arabic, Portuguese, or Spanish would be advantageous.