Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
 

Please visit our website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

The Rail Sector Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for driving Turner & Townsend’s growth and reputation in the rail sector across the Middle East. This Director-level position involves defining and executing the regional business strategy, generating new business, strengthening our market proposition, and building high-performing teams to deliver exceptional outcomes.

The key objectives of the role include:

• Developing a regional rail strategy to secure new business and cross-selling opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Overseeing current rail commissions and ensuring performance excellence.
• Identifying and creating strategic alliances to expand market reach.
• Managing risk while maximizing commercial returns.
• Positioning Turner & Townsend as a trusted program partner in the marketplace.
• Influencing clients at board level through credibility and experience.
• Engaging with key decision-makers across clients, regulators, and government bodies.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Shape and advance the rail service offering through a clear and compelling vision.
• Provide thought leadership at both national and regional levels.
• Analyze internal strengths and weaknesses across the global practice.
• Lead the development of the annual strategic plan for the regional rail sector.
• Plan and coordinate national industry conferences and events.

Business Development & Client Management

• Lead business development initiatives, guiding field offices in executing targeted client capture plans.
• Act as capture lead or sponsor on key strategic pursuits.
• Establish and prioritize key accounts, surveying the industry to identify growth areas.
• Develop winning pursuit strategies and review client solicitations.
• Promote Turner & Townsend’s brand through articles, presentations, and industry events.
• Track success through new opportunities identified and won.

Operational Management

• Oversee team structure, including recruitment, resource planning, competency development, and mentoring.
• Manage large-scale rail projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to high-quality standards.
• Implement and monitor quality control processes to maintain excellence and build trust.
• Monitor financial performance, providing reports and forecasts to senior management.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices.

Leadership

• Lead and inspire the rail team, providing a strong focus for the business.
• Build respect through experience, track record, and leadership qualities.
• Represent Turner & Townsend with clients, fostering trust and confidence.
• Demonstrate hands-on leadership in delivery and quality assurance.
• Collaborate across teams on national and regional initiatives, leveraging best practices.
• Lead national rail sector initiatives and working groups, delivering outcomes on time and budget.
• Develop succession plans and nurture talent within the team.
• Contribute to business boards and maintain high visibility and impact.
• Build capability proactively and ambitiously.

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP (Project Management), PE (Professional Engineer), CCP (Certified Cost Professional), or equivalents.
• Proven ability to build trust with clients and teams through transparency and reliability.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Strong analytical skills, and ability to implement growth strategies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Skilled in project planning, resource allocation, and milestone management.
• Extensive experience in rail infrastructure and tunnel construction project management.
• Proficient in project controls, cost, schedule, and quality monitoring tools.

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.