Programme Director - High Speed Rail (MENA)

Role Overview

A major international contractor delivering some of the region's largest transportation programmes is seeking an experienced Programme Director - High Speed Rail to lead the end-to-end delivery of a flagship high-speed rail programme across the MENA region. This is a rare opportunity to helm a transformative infrastructure project that will redefine regional connectivity, economic integration, and sustainable mobility. The successful candidate will hold full P&L accountability for a multi-billion-dollar programme, directing a diverse, multidisciplinary team of engineers, project managers, commercial leads, and stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall programme governance for the high-speed rail programme, ensuring alignment with client objectives, regulatory frameworks, and international best practices.
• Establish and maintain a robust programme management office (PMO) with integrated controls for scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the development and execution of the programme delivery strategy, including phasing, packaging, procurement models, and interface management across civil works, systems, rolling stock, and operations.
• Direct the commercial strategy: contract negotiation, variation management, claims resolution, and financial forecasting to protect margins and ensure timely cash flow.
• Manage relationships with government entities, funding agencies, joint venture partners, consultants, and local communities to secure approvals, permits, and social licence.
• Champion health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ) culture, driving zero-harm performance across all programme activities.
• Oversee technical assurance processes, including design reviews, independent peer reviews, and compliance with EN, UIC, and regional standards for high-speed rail systems.
• Drive digital transformation adoption: BIM, 4D/5D scheduling, digital twins, and data-driven decision-making across the programme lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop senior leadership talent, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative programme culture.
• Report directly to the Regional CEO and Board, providing transparent, data-rich programme dashboards and executive briefings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Railway Engineering, or related discipline; Master's degree or MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum 20 years' progressive experience in major rail infrastructure programmes, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles (Programme Director, Project Director, or equivalent) on high-speed rail or complex heavy rail projects.
• Proven track record of delivering programmes valued at >$2 billion, preferably in the MENA region or similar emerging markets.
• Deep technical knowledge of high-speed rail systems: track, signalling (ETCS/ERTMS), electrification (25kV AC), rolling stock integration, and station design.
• Extensive experience with FIDIC contracts (Red, Yellow, Silver Books), NEC4, and local procurement regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes: ministries, sovereign wealth funds, international lenders (World Bank, EIB, ADB), and regulatory bodies.
• Professional registration (Chartered Engineer, PMP, or equivalent) and fluency in English; Arabic language proficiency is a significant advantage.

Preferred Skills & Differentiators

• Direct experience on MENA high-speed rail programmes (e.g., Haramain, GCC Rail, Egypt HSR, Morocco LGV).
• Background in public-private partnership (PPP) models, concession structuring, and revenue risk allocation.
• Expertise in sustainable finance frameworks, green bond alignment, and ESG reporting for transport infrastructure.
• Prior leadership in joint venture or consortium environments with multi-cultural teams.
• Published thought leadership or conference speaking on high-speed rail delivery innovation.

What Makes This Role Unique

This position sits at the intersection of engineering excellence, geopolitical significance, and legacy creation. You will not merely manage a project — you will shape a national asset that connects cities, accelerates economic development, and sets new benchmarks for sustainable transport in the region. The programme offers unparalleled visibility, direct access to decision-makers at the highest levels, and the autonomy to build a world-class delivery organisation from the ground up. The contractor brings deep regional roots, a strong balance sheet, and a commitment to investing in local capability development — making this a career-defining role for a leader ready to leave a lasting imprint on the MENA transportation landscape.

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