Senior Operations Manager (O&M Metro)

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 Senior Operations Manager is a key position in this opportunity. Potential start date for this opportunity is January 2026.

 

To lead and manage day-to-day Operations activities for the O&M contract of the Metro project, ensuring efficient, safe, high-quality, and customer-focused transit services. The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing the delivery of operations in line with contractual requirements, performance standards, and best industry practices.

Missions/Main Duties

• Oversee the O&M Contractors mobilization, staffing, reviewing their Operating procedures, instructions, code of conduct handbook, timetables and other operating materials submitted each O&M Contractor in accordance with their respective contracts
• Oversee all Metro commercial service operational activities and verify that it is being carried out safely and in accordance with the O&M Contract and to the Employers satisfaction.
• Direct and supervise the daily operations of the project in accordance with service level agreements, safety guidelines, and performance targets.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver punctual, reliable, and safe metro operations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational strategies, procedures, and policies to maximize efficiency and service excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, local regulations, and safety standards as mandated by the client and relevant authorities.
• Prepare and present regular reports on operational KPIs, incidents, risk assessments, and improvement initiatives to company leadership and the client.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure integrated, seamless operations.
• Drive a proactive safety and quality culture, ensuring all team members receive necessary training and adhere to safety protocols.
• Identify and manage operational risks, proposing and executing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Manage resources and budgets efficiently within the operations scope.
• Foster positive relationships with client representatives, stakeholders, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Support the Project Director in managing operational aspects of contract variations, claims, and negotiations.

Profile/Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Transport Management, Business Administration, or a relevant field. Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years' professional experience in metro or railway operations, including at least 7 years in a senior managerial or supervisory role.
• Solid experience in leading and motivating large, diverse teams in a complex operational environment.
• Deep understanding of O&M best practices, performance management, and rail transit safety regulations.
• Demonstrated success in improving operational efficiency, service reliability, and customer satisfaction in a large-scale transit operation.
• Strong command of project management and data analysis tools.
• Prior work in Middle East/GCC projects is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic language skills are advantageous.

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