Programme Director - Rail at Parsons Corporation in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates | Kablio

Role

Description

stakeholder management

governance meetings

contract management

digital delivery

risk management

executive reporting

Provide strategic leadership in stakeholder and interface management, ensuring effective coordination between Client, regulatory bodies, operators, and delivery partners.
Establish and chair regular progress and governance meetings to review program status, risks, and actions.
Negotiate and manage contracts, variations, and scope changes (including Parsons’) with the Client and major contractors, maintaining strict control of cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
Design, construction, and systems integration activities are effectively coordinated under PMC oversight.
Acts as the Company’s primary representative with the client, regulatory authorities, and key partners throughout the programme lifecycle.
Monitor and report to executive management on progress, risks, and performance, ensuring the achievement of key milestones and compliance with contractual obligations.
Oversee the establishment and implementation of the Program Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, and related control documents.
Promotes technical and commercial excellence on the project through application of Quality Assurance processes.
Establishes the program requirements for all areas of the project and monitors the draft and final deliverables for adherence to these criteria.
Project controls, risk, and change management processes ensure predictable and auditable delivery.
Champion digital project delivery by leveraging Parsons’ PMIS platforms, BIM-based lifecycle tools, and data analytics to enhance decision-making and performance reporting.
Ensure that robust governance, reporting, and assurance frameworks are in place to maintain transparency, accountability, and performance throughout program delivery.
Promote and embed sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement in design, construction, and operations.
Lead programme-wide risk and opportunity management processes to anticipate challenges and capitalize on efficiencies.
Lead the strategic direction and execution of all business, technical, construction and commissioning phases – ensuring adherence to technical excellence, safety, and sustainability standards.
Oversee the mobilization and performance of Parsons and partner resources across offices and project sites, fostering a high-performance culture built on collaboration and integrity.
Act as an ambassador for Parsons’ values and commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical delivery.

Requirements

20 years

fidic

bim

chartered engineer

master’s

high-speed

Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the management of design and/or construction of major rail or infrastructure programs.
In-depth understanding of FIDIC, D&B and similar contract models, program governance, and risk management.
Comprehensive knowledge of current technologies, digital project delivery platforms (PMIS/BIM), and data-driven performance management.
Demonstrated experience in high-speed or metro rail implementation is highly desirable.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and align large, multidisciplinary teams.
At least 5 years of experience in the Middle East, ideally within the UAE or GCC rail sector.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer status highly preferred.
Proven experience in leading programs above $8 billion in value including complex stakeholder environments.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1944 Founded

Year of Establishment

The company was established in 1944 by Ralph M. Parsons in California.

$6 Billion Annual

Revenue Figure

The firm generates an average of $6 billion in annual revenue.

Free Space Shuttle Move

Notable Achievement

The company successfully transported the Space Shuttle Endeavour at no cost.

Over decades it expanded into oil, petrochemical, water and infrastructure projects across the US and globally.
It leverages digital tools such as AI platforms, utility data systems, and drone integration alongside traditional design and construction.
Parsons completed high‑profile projects like major bridge, tunnel, and transit works.
Specializing in transportation, energy, environmental remediation, urban development, industrial, and cybersecurity projects.
The firm has delivered hundreds of mega‑projects worldwide, including infrastructure in the Middle East and environmental cleanup contracts.

Culture + Values

Safety: We adeptly avoid risk through our high‑value technical and management solutions and a companywide, personal commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy culture and environment in all our offices and on each of our projects.
Quality: We’re on a never‑ending quest to improve our processes, services, and products. Our quality management systems ensure ISO 9001 compliance every time…
Integrity: Having integrity means that we remain transparent in our practices by openly communicating with each other, our customers, and stakeholders; that we prioritize the quality of every job; and that we do the right thing each time we’re faced with a tough decision.
Innovation: Through intensive research and development, partnerships, and rapid prototyping, we confidently provide inventive processes and unique solutions that offer unrivaled value to our customers.
Sustainability: We operate in accordance with best practices to deliver solutions while addressing environmental risk and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Environment + Sustainability

50% Reduction

Absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions by 2030

Aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, referencing a 2019 base year.

100% Renewable

Electricity Sourcing by 2028

A commitment to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2028, having started from 0% in 2019.

90% Reduction

Absolute GHG Emissions by 2045

Long-term goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2045.

Net-Zero Goal

GHG Emissions by 2045

Comprehensive target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2045.

Purchased renewable energy certificates and reduced market-based Scope 2 emissions in 2023.
Achieved significant diversion of shredded paper and repurposed electronics in 2023.
Recycled or repurposed hardware units in Middle East offices in 2023.

Inclusion & Diversity

34% increase

Diversity Representation

The organization achieved a significant 34% increase in diversity representation across the enterprise in 2021.

33% increase

Women in Leadership

Women in leadership roles grew by 33% within the organization in 2021, reflecting progress in gender diversity.

50% diverse

Executive Leadership

The executive leadership team was 50% diverse and demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion in early 2022.

100% score

Human Rights Campaign Index

The organization earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for 2023–2024, highlighting its dedication to LGBTQ+ equality.

Created a DEI Council in 2017 to unify efforts around diversity and inclusion.
Supports Employee Business Resource Groups such as MILVET, HOLA, PRIDE Alliance, BELONG, PWR, SOAR, and FORCE to foster networking, mentorship, and professional development.
Recognized as one of Forbes' 2023 Best Employers for Diversity.

Articles

Role

Description

stakeholder management

governance meetings

contract management

digital delivery

risk management

executive reporting

Provide strategic leadership in stakeholder and interface management, ensuring effective coordination between Client, regulatory bodies, operators, and delivery partners.
Establish and chair regular progress and governance meetings to review program status, risks, and actions.
Negotiate and manage contracts, variations, and scope changes (including Parsons’) with the Client and major contractors, maintaining strict control of cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
Design, construction, and systems integration activities are effectively coordinated under PMC oversight.
Acts as the Company’s primary representative with the client, regulatory authorities, and key partners throughout the programme lifecycle.
Monitor and report to executive management on progress, risks, and performance, ensuring the achievement of key milestones and compliance with contractual obligations.
Oversee the establishment and implementation of the Program Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, and related control documents.
Promotes technical and commercial excellence on the project through application of Quality Assurance processes.
Establishes the program requirements for all areas of the project and monitors the draft and final deliverables for adherence to these criteria.
Project controls, risk, and change management processes ensure predictable and auditable delivery.
Champion digital project delivery by leveraging Parsons’ PMIS platforms, BIM-based lifecycle tools, and data analytics to enhance decision-making and performance reporting.
Ensure that robust governance, reporting, and assurance frameworks are in place to maintain transparency, accountability, and performance throughout program delivery.
Promote and embed sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement in design, construction, and operations.
Lead programme-wide risk and opportunity management processes to anticipate challenges and capitalize on efficiencies.
Lead the strategic direction and execution of all business, technical, construction and commissioning phases – ensuring adherence to technical excellence, safety, and sustainability standards.
Oversee the mobilization and performance of Parsons and partner resources across offices and project sites, fostering a high-performance culture built on collaboration and integrity.
Act as an ambassador for Parsons’ values and commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical delivery.

Requirements

20 years

fidic

bim

chartered engineer

master’s

high-speed

Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the management of design and/or construction of major rail or infrastructure programs.
In-depth understanding of FIDIC, D&B and similar contract models, program governance, and risk management.
Comprehensive knowledge of current technologies, digital project delivery platforms (PMIS/BIM), and data-driven performance management.
Demonstrated experience in high-speed or metro rail implementation is highly desirable.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and align large, multidisciplinary teams.
At least 5 years of experience in the Middle East, ideally within the UAE or GCC rail sector.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer status highly preferred.
Proven experience in leading programs above $8 billion in value including complex stakeholder environments.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

1944 Founded

Year of Establishment

The company was established in 1944 by Ralph M. Parsons in California.

$6 Billion Annual

Revenue Figure

The firm generates an average of $6 billion in annual revenue.

Free Space Shuttle Move

Notable Achievement

The company successfully transported the Space Shuttle Endeavour at no cost.

Over decades it expanded into oil, petrochemical, water and infrastructure projects across the US and globally.
It leverages digital tools such as AI platforms, utility data systems, and drone integration alongside traditional design and construction.
Parsons completed high‑profile projects like major bridge, tunnel, and transit works.
Specializing in transportation, energy, environmental remediation, urban development, industrial, and cybersecurity projects.
The firm has delivered hundreds of mega‑projects worldwide, including infrastructure in the Middle East and environmental cleanup contracts.

Culture + Values

Safety: We adeptly avoid risk through our high‑value technical and management solutions and a companywide, personal commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy culture and environment in all our offices and on each of our projects.
Quality: We’re on a never‑ending quest to improve our processes, services, and products. Our quality management systems ensure ISO 9001 compliance every time…
Integrity: Having integrity means that we remain transparent in our practices by openly communicating with each other, our customers, and stakeholders; that we prioritize the quality of every job; and that we do the right thing each time we’re faced with a tough decision.
Innovation: Through intensive research and development, partnerships, and rapid prototyping, we confidently provide inventive processes and unique solutions that offer unrivaled value to our customers.
Sustainability: We operate in accordance with best practices to deliver solutions while addressing environmental risk and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Environment + Sustainability

50% Reduction

Absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions by 2030

Aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, referencing a 2019 base year.

100% Renewable

Electricity Sourcing by 2028

A commitment to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2028, having started from 0% in 2019.

90% Reduction

Absolute GHG Emissions by 2045

Long-term goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2045.

Net-Zero Goal

GHG Emissions by 2045

Comprehensive target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2045.

Purchased renewable energy certificates and reduced market-based Scope 2 emissions in 2023.
Achieved significant diversion of shredded paper and repurposed electronics in 2023.
Recycled or repurposed hardware units in Middle East offices in 2023.

Inclusion & Diversity

34% increase

Diversity Representation

The organization achieved a significant 34% increase in diversity representation across the enterprise in 2021.

33% increase

Women in Leadership

Women in leadership roles grew by 33% within the organization in 2021, reflecting progress in gender diversity.

50% diverse

Executive Leadership

The executive leadership team was 50% diverse and demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion in early 2022.

100% score

Human Rights Campaign Index

The organization earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for 2023–2024, highlighting its dedication to LGBTQ+ equality.

Created a DEI Council in 2017 to unify efforts around diversity and inclusion.
Supports Employee Business Resource Groups such as MILVET, HOLA, PRIDE Alliance, BELONG, PWR, SOAR, and FORCE to foster networking, mentorship, and professional development.
Recognized as one of Forbes' 2023 Best Employers for Diversity.

Articles