Director Of Operations And Maintenance High-Speed Rail

About the role

Parsons is looking for a senior leader to define and execute the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) strategy for a flagship High‑Speed Rail program in the United Arab Emirates. The role will shape the operational framework, safety assurance, and readiness activities required to run a 320 km/h railway safely and efficiently.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the O&M philosophy and define operational and maintenance requirements for the contracted railway operator.
• Lead the creation and approval of the Operations Safety Case and associated assurance processes.
• Direct the operational readiness programme, including procedures, training, emergency drills, trial runs, commissioning support, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering, systems, safety, regulatory and program delivery teams to embed operational needs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the transition from construction and commissioning to full revenue service.
• Provide strategic leadership on railway operations, maintenance planning, asset management and performance targets.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Railway Operations, Transportation Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in railway operations and maintenance leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of rail service planning, asset maintenance strategies and operational safety frameworks.
• Proven track record developing operational concepts, maintenance regimes and readiness programmes for large‑scale rail projects.
• Demonstrated leadership, stakeholder management and team coordination capabilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a high‑visibility, cutting‑edge high‑speed rail project in the UAE.
• Collaborative environment with world‑class engineering and transportation experts.
• Competitive compensation package aligned with senior leadership roles.