Project Delivery Manager (Rail)

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

This requirement is for a bid opportunity only at this stage. Any engagement will be subject to successful project award and final client approval.

The Project Delivery Manager will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of the conventional railway and freight rail program, with a strong focus on construction execution, package coordination, interface management, and delivery performance. The role requires a highly capable leader with deep expertise in managing large-scale conventional railway, freight rail, and associated infrastructure works, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, resolving complex technical and delivery interfaces, and ensuring execution in line with project requirements for schedule, budget, quality, safety, and operational performance. The position demands substantial experience in delivering integrated works across conventional rail corridors, freight alignments, yards, depots, terminals, and associated infrastructure, including coordination of civil, structural, track, systems, MEP, architectural, utilities, and operational interfaces, while ensuring compliance with project specifications, applicable standards, regulatory requirements, and the operational needs of conventional and freight railway systems.

Missions/Main Duties

• Lead and manage the overall construction delivery of the railway program across multiple project packages, work fronts, or contractor interfaces.
• Drive site execution strategies to ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery of all construction activities.
• Oversee and coordinate construction teams, subcontractors, package managers, and support functions to achieve program milestones.
• Ensure strong integration between engineering, procurement, construction, commercial, planning, contracts, and project controls functions.
• Monitor construction progress and productivity, and implement recovery plans where required to address delays or performance gaps.
• Manage site-related risks, constructability issues, sequencing constraints, logistics challenges, and interface coordination across the program.
• Lead delivery reviews, construction progress meetings, and reporting processes to ensure transparency and timely decision-making.
• Ensure construction activities are executed in compliance with project specifications, contractual requirements, quality standards, and HSE regulations.
• Support the development of construction methodologies, phasing plans, mobilization strategies, and execution plans during bid and post-award stages.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and the client on all matters related to delivery and construction performance.
• Promote a strong site culture focused on safety, quality, productivity, accountability, and delivery excellence.
• Support testing, commissioning readiness, and handover planning in coordination with relevant teams, where required.

Profile/Skills

• The successful candidate will be a hands-on, delivery-focused leader with strong construction execution capability and a proven ability to manage complex railway works in live and challenging environments. They should be capable of driving site performance, managing contractors and interfaces, and ensuring coordinated delivery across multiple packages while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence. Prior conventional railway and freight rail project experience is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 20 years of total experience in major infrastructure and construction projects.
• Strong experience in conventional railway and freight rail projects is essential.
• Proven project and construction delivery experience in leading major infrastructure, rail, or transportation projects from execution through completion.
• Strong background in construction management, site delivery, contractor coordination, and field execution.
• Prior experience in a Program Delivery Manager, Construction Delivery Manager, Senior Project Manager, or similar senior delivery role on major conventional and/or freight railway projects.
• Gulf experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, site logistics, temporary works, constructability, project controls, and commercial impacts on delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex construction interfaces and multidisciplinary teams in large project environments.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of HSE, quality, risk, compliance, and construction best practices in major infrastructure projects, including the requirements of conventional and freight railway systems.

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