Deputy Project Director

AtkinsR alis

AtkinsR alis is seeking a Deputy Project director to support the consultant-side oversight of the Design & Build Contract for Rail Systems, Power, Depots, Rolling Stock, and Track within the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project - Phase 1. This role will assist the Project Director in managing contractor performance, ensuring technical compliance, and coordinating across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

The Deputy Project Manager will play a key role in ensuring that systems integration, depot readiness, rolling stock delivery, and track installation are executed in line with programme objectives, safety standards, and operational requirements.

Key Requirements and Accountabilities:

Sector Experience

• Proven experience in delivering high-speed rail systems (above 250 km/h), including signalling, telecoms, traction power, rolling stock, and track.
• Strong background in systems integration, depot operations, and railway commissioning.
• Experience in Design & Build contract environments and working with international turnkey suppliers.

Programme Oversight & Coordination

• Support the Project Director in overseeing contractor performance across systems, power, depots, rolling stock, and track packages.
• Coordinate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration of systems with civil infrastructure and stations.
• Monitor programme milestones and ensure alignment with critical path and commissioning targets.

Technical Compliance & Assurance

• Ensure contractor designs and installations meet technical specifications, safety standards, and interoperability requirements.
• Lead reviews of interface control documents (ICDs), integration registers, and testing protocols.
• Support resolution of technical issues during design, installation, and commissioning phases.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with UAE Rail, government authorities, consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
• Facilitate coordination between systems contractors and civil/station delivery teams.
• Represent AtkinsR alis in technical and programme meetings, providing strategic input and issue resolution.

Risk & Change Management

• Identify and manage risks related to systems integration, commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Support change control processes and ensure timely resolution of design or scope changes.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory frameworks and international standards.

Reporting & Governance

• Provide regular updates to the Project Director on progress, risks, and contractor performance.
• Support the development of dashboards, reports, and programme documentation for internal and client use.
• Ensure governance processes are followed across all systems-related workstreams.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior project engineers and technical coordinators.
• Promote a collaborative and accountable team culture across disciplines.
• Support performance reviews and development planning for assigned team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Master's Degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in rail systems delivery, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail programmes.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, depot operations, and rolling stock commissioning.