Stakeholder Manager - PMC (Rail)

About the role

AECOM is recruiting a Stakeholder Manager for a major rail project in Abu Dhabi. The role leads all stakeholder identification, engagement and interface activities across design and construction, protecting programme and reputation by securing timely approvals, NOCs and third-party agreements while building constructive relationships with authorities, utility owners, communities and other key parties.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the Stakeholder Management Plan and Stakeholder Register, including stakeholder mapping, influence/interest analysis and engagement strategies for each phase.
• Act as primary contact for government authorities, regulators, municipalities, transport authorities, utility providers, developers and third-party asset owners.
• Lead the process for obtaining permits, approvals, NOCs and third-party agreements, tracking status against the programme.
• Manage interfaces with adjacent projects, operators and asset owners, including interface registers, agreements and regular coordination meetings.
• Plan and deliver community and public engagement, including consultations, works notifications, traffic diversions and disruption mitigation.
• Oversee the enquiries and complaints process so issues are logged, investigated and closed within agreed timeframes.
• Identify stakeholder risks early, escalate as needed and develop mitigation strategies with project leadership.
• Work with Design, Construction, Planning, HSE, Legal and Communications teams so commitments are captured and delivered.
• Prepare stakeholder reports, briefing notes and presentations for the Client, senior management and external bodies.
• Ensure engagement complies with contractual requirements, local regulations and client standards.
• Lead, mentor and evaluate the stakeholder and interface management team.

Required profile

• At least 15 years' experience managing design and/or construction of rail projects and stakeholder management.
• At least 5 years' experience managing design and/or construction of a railway project.
• Held the same position (Stakeholder Manager or equivalent) on at least one project of similar size and complexity.
• High-speed rail (HSR) experience highly preferred; Middle East and UAE experience highly advantageous; local experience preferred.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of UAE authority approval processes and the regulatory environment for major infrastructure.
• Negotiation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills at senior government and client levels.
• Excellent written and verbal English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Ability to explain technical rail design and construction issues to non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with stakeholder management and reporting tools and MS Office.

New hires must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office. Benefits depend on employment status and may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits, paid time off, flexible work options, well-being resources, an employee assistance program, business travel insurance, a retirement savings plan and an employee stock purchase plan.