Project Director

Egis is an international player active in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services. We create and operate intelligent infrastructures and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to more balanced, sustainable and resilient territorial development. Operating in 100 countries, Egis puts the expertise of its 19,500 employees at the service of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovations accessible to all projects. Through its wide range of activities, Egis is a key player in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

With 3,500 employees across 8 countries in the Middle East, Egis has delivered over 700 complex development projects, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Ranked among the top ten firms in the Middle East by Engineering News Record (ENR), Egis is committed to sustainable development. The Group’s operations in the Middle East are built on strategic acquisitions and a deep understanding of local market conditions. Egis’ long history of providing comprehensive engineering, consulting, and project management services makes it a trusted partner for regional governments, investors, and developers.

Project: High-Speed Rail Line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Contract Type: Design & Build

• 1. Position Overview

As part of a major Design & Build contract for the delivery of a high-speed rail line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, we are seeking an experienced Project Director – Design based in Dubai.

The Project Director will lead and oversee the full design scope of the project, from preliminary and detailed design through to IFC issuance, ensuring full contractual compliance and alignment with construction requirements, schedule, and budget objectives.

Key Responsibilities

 

Leadership & Governance

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the design scope.
• Define and implement the design management strategy in line with contractual obligations.
• Establish and lead the integrated design organization (internal teams and external consultants).

 

Contract & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance of all deliverables with the Design & Build contract requirements.
• Identify, anticipate, and manage technical and contractual risks related to design.
• Oversee variations, change management processes, and support claims strategy as needed.

 

Technical Oversight

• Supervise all design disciplines, including alignment, civil works, structures, viaducts, stations, rail systems, E&M, and interfaces.
• Validate key technical decisions and ensure multidisciplinary consistency.
• Manage complex technical interfaces between systems and construction packages.

 

Schedule & Performance Management

• Lead the design schedule in a highly constrained delivery environment.
• Ensure adherence to milestones, budget, and quality standards.
• Implement robust reporting and performance monitoring mechanisms.

 

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for the Client on all design-related matters.
• Participate in high-level coordination meetings with authorities and key stakeholders.
• Represent the project at executive and institutional levels.

 

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor discipline leads and design managers.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and multicultural team environment.
• Ensure strong coordination with construction and site-based teams.

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, or related field.
• Additional qualifications in Project Management (e.g., MBA, PMP) are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in high-speed rail or major railway projects.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects under Design & Build contracts.
• Prior experience in the Middle East is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Strong expertise in multidisciplinary design management.
• In-depth understanding of railway systems and infrastructure interfaces.
• Solid experience in risk management, planning, and complex project delivery.

Leadership Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-visibility international environment.

Languages

• Fluent English required.