Project Director

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

Currently, we are bidding for the Project Management Services of a metro project in its operation & maintenance phase in Riyadh. The position of Project Director is the key position in this opportunity. 

 

The Project Director will assist the Employer in the supervision of the O&M Contractors’ corporate management plans and ensure all communication and reporting levels are maintained throughout the period of the contract . You will  lead and oversee the overall Project Management of the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services for the project, ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused operation. The Project Director shall be responsible for achieving project objectives in compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory standards, and the company’s strategic vision.

Missions/Main Duties

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the client and key stakeholders for all issues related to O&M project management.
• Provide overall leadership, direction, and management to the project team in charge of the O&M contract.
• Develop and implement strategies, plans, and processes to ensure service delivery meets or exceeds performance KPIs and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate effectively with Metro Operations, Maintenance, Asset Management, Engineering, Safety, and Quality Assurance teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and safety requirements issued by the transit authority or other governmental entities.
• Oversee budget management, cost control, and resource allocation for the project.
• Monitor project progress, risks, and issues, ensuring mitigation actions are implemented promptly.
• Lead regular reporting to senior management and clients on project status, performance, and strategic initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and quality across all O&M activities.
• Represent the company at high-level meetings and external events as required.
• Establish and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and joint venture partners.
• Proactively manage contract variations, claims, and negotiations as needed.

Profile/Skills

• The Project Director will be very experienced with a minimum of 20 years' senior management experience in the delivery of railway projects.
• He will have demonstrated leadership capabilities and a track record of delivering large and complex operational and service led rail transport projects. Must have demonstrable project management skills and the ability to oversee daily project activities and manage large technical and support teams.
• He should have proven skills in communication, negotiation, and be able present complex matters at the highest level to the Employer/Government. An experienced senior professional with accredited and proven skills of mobilizing and managing large teams specifically in operational transport projects
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Transport Management, or related field. Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Proven track record managing large, multidisciplinary teams in a similar environment.
• Deep understanding of international best practices in metro/rail operations, maintenance, safety, and project management.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contract administration, performance-based contracts, and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Previous experience working in the Middle East, ideally in Saudi Arabia or the GCC, is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.