Rail Project Leader
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
We are an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. Through our work, we make a positive difference in the world.
As the Rail Project Leader based out of Dubai, you will be the forefront of our rail business, responsible for work winning, developing relationships, influencing outcomes. You will shape the strategic direction, anticipate future market trends, and enhance Arup’s influence and reputation through securing trust with clients, excellent project delivery and technological innovation. You will collaborate with various leaders to develop annual business plans, building strategic for talent mapping and capability plans.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!
The Opportunity
Established know-how of railway operations and systems, not limited to; track, trains, power, signalling and train control, communications, integration, planning, operations and maintenance, where you will be referred as a domain expert in one of these core systems.
Develop and deliver the annual business plan for the rail business. Generate quality income and manage risk to deliver value for the firm. Strengthen existing and establish new strategic client relationships. Empower high-performing leaders to engage with clients and projects.
Create an environment of learning and innovation to attract and retain talent. Act as Bid Director for major railway opportunities and act as Project Director for railway commissions bringing confidence in client engagement. Act as the Work Package Leader for the rail team based in UAE and India. Bring collaborative working with Arup Group offices performing rail and railway systems design for Middle East and India projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Assist and represent Arup’s services to the clients and stakeholders when required. Coordinate with the Rail Business Director, Regional Transport Leader and Middle East Group Leader for project selection, capture planning, and bidding. Consult with Discipline Team Leaders on resource availability and the Geography Leader and Rail Business Director on commercial matters. Champion client relationship managers, ensuring they are well-supported and accountable for growing influential relationships.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
We are looking for people with:
· Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant engineering subject and Vast post-graduation experience.
· Membership in a relevant professional body is required as Member or higher and Chartered Engineer status.
· Experience working on projects in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and KSA, either in-country or from a remote design office.
· Demonstrable track record in project management and design management of delivering excellent technical quality on railway design engineering projects in the Middle East & India will be advantageous.
· Experienced in Railway Systems Design and delivery of Railway and Metro international projects.
· Ability and availability to travel overseas (e.g., UAE, KSA and India) for client meetings and workshops.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
Benefits include cover under the UAE Healthcare Plan (private medical insurance with dental cover up to a limit), Life Assurance and Personal Accident Insurance cover. These are funded by us and made available to all permanent staff in order to support and safeguard your financial, physical and mental wellbeing.
We also offer Schooling allowance for up to 3 children who live in the UAE (caps apply), Professional subscriptions (reimbursement for up to 3 subscriptions to a limited amount approved by the Firm), interest free loans for house rental costs, employee assistance programme (counselling) and holiday trading (buy or sell of up to 5 days holiday per year).
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
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Closing Date: Monday 29th September 2025