Project Director (Metro) Mekkah Bid Opportunity

About SYSTRA

SYSTRA is a global engineering and consultancy group specializing in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA focuses on designing safe and sustainable transport solutions to connect communities, foster social inclusion, and facilitate access to employment, education, and leisure worldwide. For 65 years, the Group has partnered with cities and regions to develop, improve, and modernize infrastructure and transport systems across the entire project lifecycle, from initial design to testing, deployment, and maintenance. Operating in over 80 countries, SYSTRA generates 74% of its turnover internationally and supports clients in their digital, ecological, and energy transitions to shape future mobility.

Role Overview

SYSTRA is seeking an experienced Project Director – Design to lead and manage the comprehensive design scope for a major metro project in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This role requires a leader with significant experience in large-scale rail and metro infrastructure projects, strong stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary design teams through all project phases. The successful candidate will ensure that design delivery meets project objectives concerning quality, schedule, budget, safety, compliance, and technical excellence. This opportunity is contingent upon a project bid submission and any appointment will be subject to project award and client approval.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the full design scope of a major metro project in Makkah.
• Manage multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors.
• Develop and implement the design delivery strategy, execution plans, and resource planning.
• Ensure design outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Oversee coordination across civil, structural, architectural, track, systems, stations, depot, utility, and interface packages.
• Lead design reviews, technical workshops, and value engineering initiatives.
• Manage stakeholder coordination with clients, government authorities, operators, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi regulations, project specifications, safety standards, and international design codes.
• Direct interface management between design packages and with construction, testing, and operations teams.
• Monitor design progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation measures.
• Lead change management, design approvals, and technical decision-making processes.
• Support procurement activities, tender documentation, technical bid evaluations, and consultant/contractor management.
• Provide executive reporting on design status, key risks, budget, and schedule performance.
• Mentor senior design managers and build a high-performance project delivery culture.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of experience in leading large-scale rail and metro infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams effectively.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management within complex project environments.
• Strong understanding of design delivery strategies and project execution.
• Familiarity with relevant Saudi regulations and international design codes.

Work Type and Location

This is a full-time position based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on a significant metro project. The role involves leading design efforts for a major infrastructure development.

Application Process

Candidates interested in this Project Director opportunity are encouraged to apply. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.