Associate Director - Project Controls - Rail Project

Associate Director - Project Controls - Rail Project Contract State/Province: Abu Dhabi Business Group: DCS Legal Entity: AECOM MIDDLE EAST LIMITED ABU DHABI Business Line: Transportation Work Location Model: On-Site Operating Group: International Primary Location: AE - Abu Dhabi, UAE - Site - Interna Company Description Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. Job Description Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager to lead and oversee all project controls functions for a major rail infrastructure project. This role will be responsible for ensuring robust planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and performance reporting across the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in the management of design and or construction phases of large scale rail projects, with a strong preference for High Speed Rail project exposure. Key Responsibilities • Lead the development and implementation of project controls frameworks, processes, and systems across the project • Oversee planning and scheduling activities, ensuring alignment with project milestones and delivery objectives • Manage cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting • Establish and monitor project KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics • Lead risk management activities, including risk identification, analysis, mitigation, and reporting • Ensure effective change management and claims support in coordination with commercial teams • Provide strategic oversight on progress measurement and reporting to senior stakeholders • Coordinate with engineering, construction, and commercial teams to ensure integrated project delivery • Ensure compliance with client, regulatory, and governance requirements • Lead and mentor the project controls team Minimum Requirements • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in project controls • Proven experience in a Project Controls Manager or equivalent role on at least one project of similar size and complexity • Demonstrated experience of minimum 5 years in railway projects with High Speed Rail (HSR) projects being highly preferred • Strong expertise in planning, cost management, risk management, and reporting • Proficiency in industry standard tools such as Primavera P6, cost management systems, and reporting platforms • Experience in the Middle East, particularly the UAE, is highly advantageous Key Competencies • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills • Strategic thinking with strong analytical capability • Excellent communication and reporting skills • Ability to operate in a complex, multi stakeholder environment • High attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem solving Qualifications • University degree in Engineering or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred • Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable Additional Information At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process