Construction Director - Rail Enabling Works

About the role

AECOM is seeking a Construction Director to lead the delivery of a major rail project in Dubai. The role covers overall leadership, contractual and commercial management, and ensuring delivery excellence in line with client and company objectives. It focuses on enabling works for rail infrastructure, including utility and cable relocation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage enabling works for rail corridors, stations, depots, viaducts, bridges and tunnels, ensuring safe, efficient delivery within approved programmes and contracts.
• Manage relocation, diversion, protection and reinstatement of dry utilities and electrical cables (HV, MV, LV), telecom, fibre-optic and ICT networks, street lighting and traffic systems.
• Coordinate with authorities, utility providers, designers and contractors on NOCs, permits, shutdowns, tie-ins and service diversions.
• Review utility records, as-built drawings, GIS data, survey data and trial pits, and oversee detection, protection, temporary and permanent diversion, and decommissioning.
• Prepare utility diversion drawings, method statements, temporary works, traffic management plans and construction sequencing, and manage interfaces with rail works, roads and other permanent works.
• Monitor progress against baseline programmes, supervise contractors, and review variation orders, claims and cost impacts.
• Ensure testing, commissioning, pressure testing, CCTV inspection and authority acceptance, and coordinate with quantity surveying and commercial teams.
• Lead coordination meetings with the Client, PMC/Consultant, Contractor, Utility Authorities, Designers and Rail Systems teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (BSc, BEng or MEng).
• Minimum 20 years of experience managing large-scale rail projects.
• Proven track record delivering projects worth more than AED 1 billion.
• Strong commercial and contract management experience, including claims and negotiations.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams in a matrix organisation.
• Chartered status or membership of a recognised professional body (MICE, MCIOB, MRICS) preferred; PMP or equivalent project management certification is an advantage.