Project Director (Bridges)

Role Overview

Project Director (Bridges) at AtkinsRealis. The Project Director will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and executive management, ensuring the successful delivery of multiple bridge and transportation infrastructure packages in accordance with client objectives, contractual requirements, budget, schedule, quality standards, and HSE commitments.

Company Overview

AtkinsRealis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. The company connects people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together with industry partners, clients, and a global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, AtkinsRealis is committed to leading clients across various end markets to engineer a better future for the planet and its people.

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic delivery of major bridge and transportation infrastructure projects, directing multidisciplinary teams across engineering, construction, project controls, commercial, quality, HSE and stakeholder management to achieve client objectives, contractual requirements, budget, schedule and quality standards while fostering a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the project.
• Establish project objectives, execution strategies, and delivery plans aligned with client requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams including engineering, construction, project controls, commercial, quality, HSE, and stakeholder management functions.
• Ensure project governance frameworks are implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive project performance in relation to safety, quality, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and delivery excellence.

Bridges & Infrastructure Project Delivery

• Direct the planning, execution, monitoring, and completion of major bridge and transportation infrastructure works.
• Manage interfaces between bridge structures, highways, utilities, public realm works, and transportation systems.
• Ensure successful integration of engineering, construction, and operational requirements.
• Drive construction readiness and project execution strategies across multiple work fronts.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary executive interface with client and other key stakeholders.
• Lead executive meetings, steering committees, and project governance reviews.
• Ensure proactive communication with all stakeholders regarding project progress, risks, and key decisions.
• Represent the project during high-level client presentations and strategic discussions.

Commercial & Contractual Management

• Provide executive oversight of project commercial performance and contractual obligations.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Support negotiation and resolution of major contractual and commercial issues.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with agreed commercial objectives and profitability targets.
• Maintain compliance with contractual requirements and governance procedures.

Programme & Schedule Management

• Ensure development and implementation of realistic and achievable project schedules.
• Monitor project progress against key milestones and delivery commitments.
• Lead recovery planning and mitigation strategies where delays or risks are identified.
• Review programme performance and direct corrective actions as required.
• Ensure coordination between design, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Provide strategic direction on major engineering and construction decisions.
• Ensure technical compliance with project specifications, requirements of client, and international standards.
• Lead review and approval of significant design changes, construction methodologies, and technical solutions.
• Support resolution of technically complex bridge and infrastructure challenges.
• Promote innovation and best practices in project delivery.

Risk Management

• Establish and maintain project risk management frameworks.
• Identify strategic, commercial, technical, operational, and stakeholder risks.
• Ensure mitigation plans are developed and effectively implemented.
• Monitor emerging risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead risk review workshops and executive risk assessments.

Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Leadership

• Champion a strong safety culture across the project.
• Ensure achievement of project HSE objectives and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Promote a Zero Harm philosophy throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Oversee quality management systems and ensure delivery of infrastructure assets to the highest standards.
• Ensure environmental and sustainability considerations are integrated into project execution.

Team Leadership & Resource Management

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing project management team.
• Ensure effective resource planning and allocation across project functions.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, and talent development.
• Foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Review executive dashboards and key project performance indicators.
• Provide strategic reports and recommendations to senior management and client representatives.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in project reporting.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or Business Administration (MBA) is highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Professional Engineer (PE), PMP, or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
• Membership in recognized professional institutions such as ICE, PMI, ASCE, or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in major infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Minimum 10 years in senior leadership or project director-level roles.
• Demonstrated responsibility for projects with values exceeding USD 500 million.
• Strong experience managing multidisciplinary teams in consultant, PMC, EPCM, or client organizations.
• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia and GCC infrastructure projects is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Executive leadership and strategic planning.
• Large-scale infrastructure project management.
• Commercial and contractual management.
• Stakeholder engagement and client relationship management.
• Risk management and decision-making.
• Programme delivery and recovery planning.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Financial and operational management.
• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking.
• Strong business and commercial acumen.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead high-performing multicultural teams.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on project delivery.
• Resilient and capable of operating in complex and challenging environments.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Additional Information

Employment Details

• Worker Type: Employee
• Job Type: Regular

Benefits

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation and housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.