Construction Director

AtkinsR alis

The Construction Director will own the entire construction scope within Abu Dhabi, including civil works, stations, and systems, with support from the systems teams. This includes oversight of systems integration, power, track, rolling stock interfaces, and depot readiness within the Abu Dhabi geography.

Reporting to the Project Director - UAE HSR Intercity Project, the Construction Director will serve as the senior interface between the client, contractors, consultants, and authorities, ensuring that all construction activities are executed in accordance with contractual, technical, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

Sector Experience

• Proven track record in delivering large-scale rail infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail (HSR) above 250 km/h.
• Experience in Design & Build contract environments and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure environments.

Strategic Leadership & Programme Oversight

• Lead the planning, mobilisation, and execution of civil works and station construction activities within the Dubai scope.
• Define and implement construction delivery strategies aligned with client goals and programme milestones.
• Coordinate closely with other package leads (e.g., Systems, Rolling Stock, Track) to ensure seamless integration of civil works and station infrastructure with railway systems and operational requirements.
• Drive successful outcomes through effective team mobilisation, sequencing, and resource management.

Site Delivery & Programme Management

• Supervise on-site construction activities to ensure timely, budget-compliant, and quality delivery.
• Monitor progress against the master programme and critical path, implementing mitigation strategies where needed.
• Ensure materials are approved, delivered, and stored appropriately prior to installation.
• Ensure construction readiness for commissioning, testing, and handover phases, aligned with programme benefits realization and operational launch targets.

Quality Assurance & Technical Governance

• Oversee inspections and quality control processes to ensure compliance with design intent and project standards.
• Conduct constructability reviews and ensure bid documents are complete, coordinated, and error-free.
• Ensure design and scope compliance throughout construction phases.

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Build strong working relationships with UAE Rail, government authorities (e.g., DM, RTA, Trakhees), consultants, and contractors.
• Facilitate timely approvals and inspections with Dubai authorities, ensuring all construction activities meet regulatory and permitting requirements.
• Lead progress meetings and provide strategic input to ensure alignment and issue resolution.

Health, Safety & Environmental Oversight

• Ensure contractor compliance with HSE and security requirements.

• Promote a safe and sustainable construction environment across all project sites.
• Lead incident response coordination and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Documentation & Process Management

• Monitor availability and suitability of drawings, method statements, and technical data for construction.
• Maintain oversight of submittals, approvals, and construction documentation workflows.
• Champion the use of digital construction monitoring tools, BIM integration, and smart reporting systems to enhance delivery efficiency and transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Master's Degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in infrastructure construction leadership, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or major rail programmes.