Project Director Technical (Metro) Bid Opportunity📣 Job Ad

About the Opportunity: Project Director, Technical (Metro)

Systra is seeking a highly experienced Project Director, Technical (Metro) for a full-time bid opportunity in Riyadh. This role involves leading the study and design delivery of major metro projects. Candidates should bring at least 20 years of professional experience in rail and metro infrastructure, with expertise across the full project development cycle. This requirement is for a bid opportunity only at this stage; any engagement will be subject to successful project award and final client approval.

About Systra

SYSTRA is a global engineering and consultancy group specializing in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA designs safe and sustainable transport solutions to connect communities and facilitate access to essential services worldwide. For 65 years, the Group has supported cities and regions in developing, improving, and modernizing their infrastructure and transport systems across the entire project lifecycle, from initial design to maintenance phases. SYSTRA operates in over 80 countries, supporting clients in their digital, ecological, and energy transitions.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of metro and urban rail study and design projects from feasibility through tender stages.
• Provide technical direction and strategic oversight for multidisciplinary design teams.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and overall performance.
• Oversee multidisciplinary design management across internal teams, out-of-country design centres, and subconsultants.
• Ensure effective coordination, interface management, and quality control across geographically distributed design teams.
• Direct the preparation and review of feasibility studies, concept designs, preliminary designs, and tender documents.
• Ensure integration between civil, structural, architectural, track, systems, depot, and operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements, local regulations, international standards, and project governance procedures.
• Manage interfaces with clients, authorities, operators, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support value engineering, constructability reviews, and design optimization.
• Provide leadership in quality assurance and technical review processes.
• Review and manage outputs from partner organizations and specialist subconsultants.
• Mentor senior engineers and discipline leads, fostering a high-performance project environment.
• Support proposals, bids, and business development initiatives for metro and rail opportunities.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a relevant engineering discipline. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 20 years of relevant professional experience in metro, rail, or major urban transit infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in metro projects is essential.
• Proven experience in the following project phases is mandatory: Feasibility studies, Concept design, Preliminary design, and Tender stage / tender documentation.
• Strong experience in multidisciplinary design management.
• Proven experience managing design delivery involving out-of-country design centres and subconsultants.
• Strong experience in the management and coordination of multidisciplinary design teams.
• Proven ability to lead large and complex transportation infrastructure projects.
• Experience dealing directly with clients, government authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Middle East project experience is a strong advantage.
• Professional registration or chartership is an advantage.

Key Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of metro and urban rail project development.
• Understanding of alignment design, station planning, depot concepts, interfaces, and systems integration.
• Familiarity with international design codes, rail/metro standards, and project delivery best practices.
• Strong understanding of tender documentation, technical specifications, design reports, and scope definition.
• Ability to review and challenge technical solutions to ensure safety, efficiency, and value.
• Strong capability in managing design interfaces across multiple disciplines, offices, and external consultants.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, focusing on a bid opportunity for major metro projects. The role requires strategic leadership and deep technical oversight within a global engineering and consultancy environment, coordinating across internal teams, international design offices, and external stakeholders.