Operations Director - Programme Management

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At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The project: Qiddiya is no ordinary project. It’s a 367 km² giga-project - larger than half of Singapore - set to become the capital of entertainment, sports and the arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Located just 40km from Riyadh and stretching across a dramatic 200m-high escarpment, Qiddiya will be home to:

An Olympic stadium, aquatic centre, and two indoor arenas.
World-class museums, entertainment venues, and high-end residences.
A Six Flags resort, theme parks, and an F1 circuit.
A vibrant mixed-use cityscape designed to inspire and energise.

Qiddiya's mobility network is built around 7 interconnected layers of mobility systems which include:

A new high speed rail network.
A new metro.
Automated light rail transit/monorail.
Secondary urban axis.
Group rapid transit.
Vertical links.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape a city from the ground up – one that will attract 17 million visitors annually, create 25,000 jobs, and contribute SR17 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030 to help deliver this ambitious vision, we are actively seeking to bring in an experienced Rail Sector Lead to Saudi Arabia - drawing on the depth of talent, delivery experience, and global perspective that our teams in London and across the UK are known for. Whether you’re a seasoned consultant or an experienced majorprogramme delivery professional, this is your chance to:

Be part of a delivery partner model that’s redefining how infrastructure is built.
Fast-track your career with international experience and leadership exposure.
Live in a country undergoing rapid transformation, with a growing expat community, modern amenities, and a rich cultural heritage.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

Safety First
Going home safe and well
Client Focus
- Deliver on our promise

Integrity
- Always do the right thing
Create Opportunity
For our people to excel

The Rail Sector Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for growing the business, managing profitability, and overseeing client delivery within the rail sector. The job involves developing and executing a regional business strategy, building client relationships, leading
a team, and ensuring the quality of projects from initial setup through to delivery.

You’ll Be Responsible For:

Generating new business, building the company's proposition, managing commercial returns, and providing thought leadership to influence clients at a high level.
Working closely with government entities, master developers, and programme delivery organisations, the rail sector lead will oversee multidisciplinary teams providing programme management, project controls, design management, and strategic advisory services.
The role requires strong commercial acumen, a deep understanding of international rail systems, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments across giga projects such as Qiddiya, NEOM, The Line, and Riyadh metro.
The role will include developing sector strategy and business plans, leading client engagement and business development initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and governance across projects, and fostering innovation in digital delivery, decarbonisation, and mobility integration.
The Rail Sector Lead will act as the business units’ key point of contact - aligning consultancy capability with the Kingdom’s transformation agenda and ensuring sustainable, high-performance outcomes.
The Rail Sector Lead will provide strategic leadership and technical direction for the Mace consult rail portfolio across Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to deliver world-class, integrated transport infrastructure.
This senior position is responsible for shaping and executing the consultancy’s rail growth strategy, building enduring client relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of major rail and transit programmes across the region.
Business strategy and growth: Develop and implement a national rail strategy to secure Mace consult new and existing business, create strategic alliances, and serve as the capture lead on key pursuits.
Client relationship management: Act as the Mace key interface with clients, influence them at the board level, access key decision-makers, and build strong client advocacy.
Financial and performance management: Be accountable for the and commercial returns of the rail sector and oversee the performance of current Mace rail commissions.
Team leadership and development: Build and lead a team, develop capacity to deliver future projects.
Project delivery oversight: Ensure the quality of delivery for major and complex rail projects, from initial setup and mobilisation through to operational readiness.
Market positioning: Advance the Mace consult service offering, provide thought leadership, and position Mace as a trusted program partner in the region.

You’ll need to have:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, transport planning, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
Chartered status with a recognised professional body (e.g. ICE, IMechE, APM, PMI) or equivalent international accreditation.
20+ years’ experience in rail and mass transit, including at least 10 years in leadership roles within consultancy, client, or delivery organisations.

Proven experience in developing and delivering major rail programmes - heavy rail, metro, or high-speed - across design, delivery, and operational readiness.

Demonstrated track record in the Middle East or other international complex project environments.

You’ll also have:

Deep understanding of rail systems integration, project governance, safety, and assurance frameworks.
Strong commercial and financial management capability, including business planning, P&L responsibility, and resource strategy.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across engineering, project management, and advisory functions.
Familiarity with delivery models such as PMC, PMO, D&B, and PPP.
Strong knowledge of digital transformation, sustainability, and decarbonisation within transport infrastructure.
Demonstrated ability to develop client relationships at executive level and grow key accounts within the rail and mobility sector.
Experience shaping strategic bids and leading market propositions aligned to Vision 2030 and national transport strategies.
Skilled in stakeholder management across ministries, developers, and international delivery partners.
Inspirational leadership style with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and talent development.
Culturally aware and adaptable, with experience working in multinational and diverse teams.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Strategic thinker who balances long-term vision with operational delivery.
Resilient, proactive, and results-oriented in a fast-paced environment

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role

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