Head Of Rail Rail Lead

WSP is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Rail to lead and grow our Rail business across the Middle East. This is a senior leadership position responsible for defining and delivering the regional rail strategy, driving market growth, leading major client relationships, and providing executive oversight of rail projects and technical excellence across the region.

The Head of Rail will serve as WSPs regional rail leader, overseeing a multidisciplinary team exposed to all elements of rail design and delivery—including track, civil works, stations, systems, signalling, power and operations.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping WSPs position within the rapidly growing rail and transit market across the GCC, including metro, high-speed rail, conventional rail, freight, light rail and transit-oriented development programmes.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Market Growth

• Develop and implement the Middle East Rail business strategy aligned with WSPs Transport & Infrastructure growth objectives.

• Lead the growth of WSPs Rail sector across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the wider GCC.

• Identify and secure new business opportunities across public and private sector rail and transit programmes.

• Develop strategic client engagement plans and strengthen WSPs presence with rail authorities, transport agencies, developers and major programme clients.

• Represent WSP at industry events, conferences, government forums and executive stakeholder engagements.

• Drive market intelligence activities and identify emerging opportunities, trends and investment programmes.

Business Leadership & Commercial Management

• Assume accountability for the financial performance of the Rail business within the Middle East, including Rail discipline P&L.

• Lead annual business planning, revenue forecasting and growth initiatives.

• Oversee profitability, resource planning, project performance and operational effectiveness.

• Support strategic recruitment and investment decisions to strengthen business capability.

• Drive work-winning activities, framework appointments and major pursuits, with accountability for securing at least one rail design commission within the first 12 months.

• Lead bid governance and executive review processes for significant rail opportunities.

Client Leadership

• Act as executive sponsor and senior relationship manager for key rail clients throughout the region.

• Establish trusted advisor relationships with government entities, transport authorities, rail operators and major developers.

• Lead executive-level client discussions, negotiations and strategic workshops.

• Identify opportunities to expand WSPs service offering across the rail asset lifecycle.

Multidisciplinary Rail Design leadership

• Provide technical leadership, oversight and coordination across all rail disciplines, including:

  • Track & Alignment

  • Civil & Structural Works (bridges, viaducts, tunnels, earthworks)

  • Stations & Buildings (architecture, MEP, fire & life safety)

  • Rail Systems (signalling, traction power, OCS, substations, SCADA)

  • Communications & Telecoms

  • Depots & Rolling Stock Interfaces

  • Systems Integration, Interfaces & RAMS

• Ensure coordination and technical consistency across disciplines to deliver safe, operable and integrated rail systems.

People Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, inspire and develop WSPs regional rail team.

• Build a high-performing, diverse and collaborative rail organisation.

• Mentor Technical Directors, Project Managers, Discipline Leads and emerging rail leaders.

• Drive succession planning and long-term capability development.

• Promote innovation, knowledge sharing and technical excellence across the business.

Industry Leadership

• Position WSP as the consultant of choice for rail and transit projects in the Middle East Region.

• Develop thought leadership initiatives and contribute to industry publications.

• Build partnerships with clients, contractors, operators, universities and industry bodies.

• Champion innovation, digital delivery, sustainability and future mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline. 

• Masters Degree preferred. 

• Chartered Engineer status through a recognised professional institution. 

• Typically, 20+ years of rail industry experience.

• Significant experience leading major rail and transit programmes within the Middle East and/or international markets. 

• Proven track record of growing rail businesses, winning major projects and managing strategic client relationships. 

• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing business performance, budgets and profitability. 

• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams in a consultancy environment. 

• Deep understanding of rail standards, regulations, approvals processes and industry best practices. 

• Strong network across rail authorities, government agencies, developers and transport organisations.

• Client-focused and collaborative mindset. 

• Systems-thinking and problem-solving capability. 

• Clear communicator at client and senior stakeholder level.

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