Project Controls Director

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About the Role

AtkinsRéalis is seeking expressions of interest from Project Controls Directors to lead the consultant-side project controls function for the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project – Phase 1. This role oversees Planning, Risk Management, Document Control, Reporting, and Interface Coordination, ensuring compliance with the Contract and alignment with Etihad Rail's programme governance.

In addition to departmental leadership, the Project Controls Director serves as the primary contact for Project/Programme Intelligence, responsible for preparing executive-level presentations and strategic reporting in collaboration with Etihad Rail. The role also includes working closely with the Commercial Department to support the preparation and substantiation of Extension of Time (EOT) claims, ensuring alignment with programme data and contractual obligations.

Responsibilities
 

Departmental Oversight

• Lead and manage the Project Controls department, including; Planning, Risk Management, Document Control, Reporting & Interface Coordination.

• Ensure integration and consistency across all controls disciplines and compliance with the Contract.

Project/Programme Intelligence & Executive Reporting

• Act as the main point of contact for Project/Programme Intelligence.

• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic dashboards for Etihad Rail and internal leadership.

• Translate complex programme data into clear, visual, and actionable insights for decision-makers.
   

Extension of Time (EOT) Support

• Collaborate with the Commercial Department to prepare and respond to EOT claims.

• Ensure programme data, delay analysis, and critical path impacts are accurately reflected in claim documentation.

Programme Controls & Reporting

• Oversee the Programme Basis Memorandum (PBM), Baseline Programme updates, and Time-Chainage Diagrams.

• Validate earned value metrics, float analysis, and critical path reporting across packages.
   

Risk Management Oversight

• Ensure the Risk Manager maintains a compliant and dynamic Risk Register.

• Review Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA) and Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA) reports and mitigation strategies.

Document Control & Compliance

• Oversee the Document Control Center (DCC) and ensure alignment with the Document Submittal Register (DSR).

• Ensure all document workflows, coding structures, and review cycles are integrated with the programme and reporting systems.

Interface Management

• Coordinate with the Interface Manager to ensure cross-package and stakeholder interfaces are tracked, resolved, and reported.

• Ensure updates to the Coordinated Interface Programme (CIP) are reflected in programme and reporting tools.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with Etihad Rail, contractors, and internal leadership on all controls-related matters.

• Support progress review meetings (weekly, monthly, ad hoc) and ensure controls data is presented clearly and accurately.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor Planning, Risk, Reporting, and Document Control leads.

• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of controls personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field (Master's or Chartered status preferred).

• Extensive experience in project controls, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail or major infrastructure programmes.

• Expert-level understanding of Primavera P6, TILOS, EVM, and risk management frameworks (ISO 31000 preferred).

• Strong presentation skills; experience preparing executive-level reports and dashboards.

• Experience supporting EOT claims and working with commercial teams on contractual matters.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis in the UAE?

• Tax-free salary

• Life and medical insurance coverage

• Paid annual leave and flight allowance

• Relocation assistance

• Discretionary bonus programme

• Transportation & housing allowances

• Employee Wellbeing Programme

• Inclusive and diverse work environment

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.

• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.

• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.