Associate Director - Project Controls - Rail Project

Company Description Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. Job Description Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager to lead and oversee all project controls functions for a major rail infrastructure project. This role will be responsible for ensuring robust planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, and performance reporting across the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in the management of design and or construction phases of large scale rail projects, with a strong preference for High Speed Rail project exposure. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of project controls frameworks, processes, and systems across the project
• Oversee planning and scheduling activities, ensuring alignment with project milestones and delivery objectives
• Manage cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Establish and monitor project KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics
• Lead risk management activities, including risk identification, analysis, mitigation, and reporting
• Ensure effective change management and claims support in coordination with commercial teams
• Provide strategic oversight on progress measurement and reporting to senior stakeholders
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and commercial teams to ensure integrated project delivery
• Ensure compliance with client, regulatory, and governance requirements
• Lead and mentor the project controls team

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in project controls
• Proven experience in a Project Controls Manager or equivalent role on at least one project of similar size and complexity
• Demonstrated experience of minimum 5 years in railway projects with High Speed Rail (HSR) projects being highly preferred
• Strong expertise in planning, cost management, risk management, and reporting
• Proficiency in industry standard tools such as Primavera P6, cost management systems, and reporting platforms
• Experience in the Middle East, particularly the UAE, is highly advantageous

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical capability
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Ability to operate in a complex, multi stakeholder environment
• High attention to detail with a proactive approach to problem solving

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable

Additional Information _At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously._ _To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment._ About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. What makes AECOM a great place to work You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. ReqID: J10137434 Business Line: Transportation Business Group: DCS Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa Career Area: Program & Project Management Work Location Model: On-Site