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Project Manager - Job Opportunity at SYSTRA

Dubai, AE

Full-time

Senior

Posted: July 10, 2025

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year based on the senior-level requirements, 15+ years experience requirement, Dubai location with typical expat packages, and the specialized nature of metro rolling stock project management in the GCC region

Benefits

Equal opportunity employment ensuring diverse and inclusive workplace culture that promotes professional growth across all backgrounds

Opportunity to work on large-scale international metro projects with global impact and visibility

Exposure to cutting-edge rolling stock technology and sustainable mobility solutions

Professional development through multicultural and multidisciplinary team collaboration

Career advancement opportunities within a leading global engineering consultancy group

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive strategic studies on existing metro network and rolling stock systems to drive critical infrastructure investment decisions

Conduct advanced operational data analysis and asset condition assessments to identify performance optimization opportunities and capacity enhancement strategies

Evaluate network readiness for integration of additional trains, directly impacting urban mobility capacity and service quality

Identify and analyze technical and operational gaps that could impact rolling stock operation or wider metro system performance

Develop and propose strategic enhancements or modifications to existing systems and infrastructure to accommodate new rolling stock requirements

Provide expert advisory services on procurement, refurbishment, or technological upgrades aligned with project objectives and future mobility needs

Prepare comprehensive technical reports and business cases for recommended improvements that will inform multi-million dollar investment decisions

Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful delivery

Facilitate workshops and technical discussions to align requirements and solutions across diverse stakeholder groups

Develop and manage complex project plans, timelines, budgets, and resources for rolling stock improvement initiatives

Monitor project progress ensuring compliance with international safety standards and successful delivery of project objectives

Lead comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation planning for large-scale metro infrastructure projects

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or related field

Experience

Minimum 15 years' experience in rolling stock, rail systems, or metro project management

Required Skills

Proven knowledge of rolling stock technology, metro network operations, and system integration Demonstrable experience in conducting technical assessments and gap analyses Strong project management skills – planning, scheduling, and reporting Excellent communication, analytical, and stakeholder-management skills Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment Experience in large-scale metro projects or urban rail enhancements Familiarity with international rail standards and safety requirements

Certifications

Preferably with GCC experience

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global metro and urban rail market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by rapid urbanization, with the market expected to reach $200+ billion by 2030. Cities worldwide are investing heavily in metro infrastructure to address traffic congestion and environmental concerns, creating substantial demand for experienced project managers who can navigate complex rolling stock integration challenges. Sustainable mobility and electrification initiatives are reshaping the rail industry, with governments prioritizing green transportation solutions. This trend is driving significant investment in metro system modernization and expansion, particularly in the Middle East where smart city initiatives are accelerating urban rail development. Digital transformation in rail operations is revolutionizing how metro systems are managed and optimized. The integration of IoT, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics in rolling stock management is creating new technical requirements and operational paradigms that experienced project managers must navigate. The shift toward autonomous and semi-autonomous metro systems is driving technological advancement in rolling stock design and network integration. This evolution requires project managers with deep technical expertise to manage the complex integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 8-15 professionals including engineers, analysts, and technical specialists, while coordinating with larger project teams of 30-50+ members across multiple disciplines and external stakeholders

Senior leadership position with significant strategic impact, responsible for making critical decisions that affect multi-million dollar infrastructure investments and urban mobility systems serving millions of passengers. The role requires executive-level stakeholder management and carries substantial responsibility for project outcomes that directly impact public transportation effectiveness.

Key Projects

Large-scale metro network expansion projects involving integration of 50+ new train sets Metro system modernization initiatives requiring rolling stock technology upgrades Network capacity optimization projects to accommodate 20-30% ridership growth Rolling stock procurement and refurbishment programs worth $100M+ in value Technical feasibility studies for new metro lines and system extensions

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in rolling stock technology and metro systems integration, as the role requires making complex technical decisions that affect system-wide performance and safety. Success depends on the ability to understand intricate technical relationships between rolling stock, signaling, power systems, and infrastructure. Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, particularly important in the GCC region where projects involve international teams, government entities, and multiple contractor organizations with varying communication styles and expectations. Strong financial acumen and business case development skills, as the role involves preparing investment recommendations and business cases that will guide multi-million dollar infrastructure decisions. The ability to translate technical requirements into clear financial justifications is critical. Proven track record in large-scale project delivery within tight timelines and budget constraints, essential for managing complex metro projects where delays can have significant public and financial impact. Cultural adaptability and international project experience, particularly valuable in the GCC market where successful project delivery requires understanding local regulations, working practices, and stakeholder expectations.

Market Demand

High demand driven by extensive metro expansion projects across the GCC region, particularly in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, combined with limited availability of professionals with 15+ years of specialized rolling stock experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Rolling stock technology expertise is absolutely critical as this role specifically focuses on train systems integration and requires deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems that enable safe and efficient metro operations. Without this specialized knowledge, the project manager cannot effectively evaluate technical gaps or recommend appropriate solutions. Project management methodology mastery is essential given the complexity of metro projects involving multiple stakeholders, lengthy timelines, and substantial budgets. The ability to coordinate diverse teams, manage risks, and deliver projects on time and within budget directly determines success in this role. Stakeholder management and communication skills are vital for navigating the complex political, technical, and commercial relationships inherent in major infrastructure projects. Success requires building consensus among government officials, technical teams, contractors, and community stakeholders with often conflicting priorities. Technical assessment and gap analysis capabilities are fundamental to the role's core mission of evaluating existing systems and identifying improvement opportunities. The ability to systematically analyze complex technical systems and identify optimization opportunities is essential for delivering value to clients.

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and IoT knowledge in rail systems would be highly valuable as the industry increasingly adopts smart technologies for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and operational optimization. Understanding these emerging technologies positions the project manager to recommend forward-thinking solutions. Sustainable mobility and environmental impact expertise aligns with global trends toward green transportation and can differentiate the professional in a market increasingly focused on environmental responsibility and carbon footprint reduction. Arabic language skills and deeper cultural understanding of GCC business practices would enhance effectiveness in the regional market, facilitating stronger relationships with local stakeholders and improving project delivery in the cultural context. Financial modeling and investment analysis capabilities would strengthen the ability to develop compelling business cases and support strategic decision-making for major infrastructure investments. Risk management and safety certification knowledge specific to rail systems would enhance credibility and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent international safety standards in metro operations.

Unique Aspects

Focus on rolling stock integration and network optimization represents a highly specialized niche within project management, requiring deep technical knowledge of train systems, signaling, and infrastructure compatibility that few professionals possess at this level.

Direct involvement in shaping urban mobility infrastructure that will serve millions of passengers for decades, providing opportunity to make lasting impact on sustainable transportation and urban development in one of the world's fastest-growing regions.

Exposure to cutting-edge metro technologies and sustainable mobility solutions at the forefront of industry innovation, including autonomous systems, energy-efficient rolling stock, and smart transportation integration.

Strategic role in investment decision-making for major infrastructure projects, providing opportunity to influence multi-billion dollar metro development programs across the GCC region.

Unique position at the intersection of technical engineering and business strategy, requiring both deep technical expertise and commercial acumen to drive successful project outcomes.

Career Growth

Progression to director-level roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior project managers, with opportunities for regional leadership roles emerging within 2-3 years given the rapid growth of metro projects in the GCC region

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Manager overseeing multiple metro projects or entire network development initiatives Director of Rolling Stock or Metro Systems for major transit authorities or consulting firms Regional Manager for Middle East/GCC operations at major rail consulting or engineering firms Technical Director specializing in urban mobility and sustainable transport solutions Independent consultant providing specialized rolling stock and metro systems advisory services

Company Overview

SYSTRA

SYSTRA is a global powerhouse in transportation engineering and consulting, ranking among the world's top 3 companies specializing in public transport and sustainable mobility solutions. With over 10,300 employees and operations in 80+ countries, the company has established itself as a trusted advisor to governments and transit authorities worldwide, delivering complex infrastructure projects that shape urban mobility for millions of people.

Market leader in metro and rail consulting with a dominant position in Europe and strong growth in emerging markets including the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The company's 65-year track record and involvement in iconic projects like Grand Paris Express and various metro systems worldwide establishes it as a premium brand in the industry.

SYSTRA's presence in Dubai positions professionals at the center of the GCC's ambitious metro expansion plans, including Dubai Metro expansion, Riyadh Metro, Doha Metro, and other major urban rail projects. The Dubai office serves as a strategic hub for regional operations and offers exposure to cutting-edge metro technologies and large-scale infrastructure development.

International and multicultural work environment emphasizing technical excellence, innovation, and sustainable mobility solutions. The company culture promotes collaboration across diverse teams and encourages professional development through exposure to complex, high-profile projects that advance the state of urban transportation technology.

Apply Now

Project Manager - Job Opportunity at SYSTRA

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Certifications

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

SYSTRA

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence