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 km 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 40 km from Riyadh and stretching across a dramatic 200 m high escarpment, Qiddiya will be home to an Olympic stadium, aquatic centre, 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, and a mobility network built around seven interconnected layers of mobility systems: a new high speed rail network, a new metro, automated light rail transit/monorail, secondary urban axis, group rapid transit and 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 SR 17 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 major programme 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.

Values

• 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

Responsibilities

• Generate new business, build the company's proposition, manage commercial returns, and provide thought leadership to influence clients at a high level.
• Work closely with government entities, master developers, and programme delivery organisations, overseeing multidisciplinary teams providing programme management, project controls, design management, and strategic advisory services.
• Show strong commercial acumen, 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.
• Develop sector strategy and business plans, lead client engagement and business development initiatives, ensure operational excellence and governance across projects, and foster innovation in digital delivery, decarbonisation and mobility integration.
• Act as the business unit's key point of contact - aligning consultancy capability with the Kingdom's transformation agenda and ensuring sustainable, high performance outcomes.
• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction for the Mace consult rail portfolio across Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030 to deliver world class, integrated transport infrastructure.
• Shape and execute the consultancy's rail growth strategy, build enduring client relationships, and ensure successful delivery of major rail and transit programmes across the region.
• Develop and implement a national rail strategy, create strategic alliances, and serve as the capture lead on key pursuits.
• Influence clients at the board level, access key decision makers and build strong client advocacy.
• Accountable for the commercial returns of the rail sector and oversee performance of current Mace rail commissions.
• Build and lead a team, developing capacity to deliver future projects.
• Ensure quality delivery for major and complex rail projects, from initial setup and mobilisation through to operational readiness.
• Advance Mace consult service offering, provide thought leadership, and position Mace as a trusted program partner in the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, project management, transport planning or a 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

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.

Job Details

Seniority level: Not Applicable

Employment type: Full time

Job function: Project Management and Information Technology

Industry: Construction