Project Controls Director

AtkinsR alis

AtkinsR alis is seeking a Project Controls Director to lead the consultant-side project controls function for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project Phase 1. This role oversees Planning, Risk Management, Document Control, Reporting, and Interface Coordination, ensuring compliance with the Contract and alignment with UAE Rail s programme governance.

In addition to departmental leadership, the Project Controls Director serves as the primary contact for Project/Programme Intelligence, responsible for preparing executive-level presentations and strategic reporting in collaboration with UAE Rail. The role also includes working closely with the Commercial Department to support the preparation and substantiation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, ensuring alignment with programme data and contractual obligations.

Sector Experience

Key Requirements and Accountabilities

• Proven experience in project controls leadership on large-scale rail infrastructure programmes, preferably high-speed rail (HSR) above 250 km/h.
• Familiarity with, FIDIC contracts, and UAE Rail standards, preferably UAE infrastructure delivery frameworks.
  
  

Departmental Oversight

• Lead and manage the Project Controls department, including:
• Planning (Primavera P6, TILOS)
• Risk Management (Risk Register, QSRA,QCRA, mitigation strategies)
• Document Control (DSR, DCC workflows)
• Reporting (Daily, Weekly, Monthly Progress Reports)
• Interface Coordination (CIP, interface matrices)
• Ensure integration and consistency across all controls disciplines and compliance with the Contract.
  
  

Project/Programme Intelligence & Executive Reporting

• Act as the main point of contact for Project/Programme Intelligence.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic dashboards for UAE Rail and internal leadership.
• Translate complex programme data into clear, visual, and actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Support bid interviews, steering committee briefings, and strategic forums.
  
  

Extension of Time (EOT) Support

• Collaborate with the Commercial Department to prepare and respond to EOT claims.
• Ensure programme data, delay analysis, and critical path impacts are accurately reflected in claim documentation.
• Support substantiation of contractual entitlements and mitigation strategies.
  
  

Programme Controls & Reporting

• Oversee the Programme Basis Memorandum (PBM), Baseline Programme updates, and Time-Chainage Diagrams.
• Validate earned value metrics, float analysis, and critical path reporting across packages.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all contractual reporting requirements.
  
  

Risk Management Oversight

• Ensure the Risk Manager maintains a compliant and dynamic Risk Register.
• Review Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA) and Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA) reports and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure risk-related deliverables (monthly reports, lessons learned, contingency plans) are submitted on time and meet contractual standards.
  
  

Document Control & Compliance

• Oversee the Document Control Center (DCC) and ensure alignment with the Document Submittal Register (DSR).
• Ensure all document workflows, coding structures, and review cycles are integrated with the programme and reporting systems.
  
  

Interface Management

• Coordinate with the Interface Manager to ensure cross-package and stakeholder interfaces are tracked, resolved, and reported.
• Ensure updates to the Coordinated Interface Programme (CIP) are reflected in programme and reporting tools.
  
  

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with UAE Rail, contractors, and internal leadership on all controls-related matters.
• Support progress review meetings (weekly, monthly, ad hoc) and ensure controls data is presented clearly and accurately.
• Ensure transparency, traceability, and consistency in all controls-related communications.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor Planning, Risk, Reporting, and Document Control leads.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of controls personnel.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field (Master s or Chartered status preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in project controls, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or major infrastructure programmes.
• Expert-level understanding of Primavera P6, TILOS, EVM, and risk management frameworks (ISO 31000 preferred).
• Strong presentation skills; experience preparing executive-level reports and dashboards.
• Experience supporting EOT claims and working with commercial teams on contractual matters.