The Stakeholder Manager leads all stakeholder identification, engagement and interface activities across the design and construction of a major rail project. The role protects programme and reputation by securing timely approvals, NOCs and third-party agreements. It also builds constructive relationships with authorities, utility owners, communities and other key parties, and resolves issues before they affect delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and maintain the Stakeholder Management Plan and Stakeholder Register, including stakeholder mapping, influence/interest analysis and engagement strategies for each project phase.
- Act as the primary point of contact for government authorities, regulators, municipalities, transport authorities, utility providers, developers and third-party asset owners.
- Lead the process for obtaining permits, approvals, NOCs and third-party agreements in coordination with design, construction and planning teams, and track status against the programme.
- Manage interfaces with adjacent projects, operators and asset owners, including interface registers, agreements and regular coordination meetings.
- Plan and deliver community and public engagement activities, including consultations, notifications of works, traffic diversions and disruption mitigation.
- Establish and oversee the enquiries and complaints management process, making sure issues are logged, investigated and closed out within agreed timeframes.
- Identify stakeholder-related risks and constraints early, escalate as needed, and develop mitigation strategies with the project leadership team.
- Work closely with Design, Construction, Planning, HSE, Legal and Communications teams so that stakeholder commitments are captured and delivered.
- Prepare stakeholder reports, briefing notes and presentations for the Client, senior management and external bodies.
- Make sure all engagement complies with contractual requirements, local regulations and client standards.
- Lead, mentor and develop the stakeholder and interface management team, delegating and evaluating work assignments.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 15 years' experience in the management of design and/or construction of rail projects and in stakeholder management.
- At least 5 years' experience in the management of design and/or construction of a railway project.
- Has held the same position (Stakeholder Manager or equivalent) on at least one project of similar size and complexity.
- High-Speed Rail (HSR) experience is highly preferred
- Middle East and UAE experience is highly advantageous
- Local experience is preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Strong understanding of UAE authority approval processes and the regulatory environment for major infrastructure.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills at senior government and client levels.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic is an advantage.
- Ability to translate technical rail design and construction issues for non-technical audiences.
- Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.
- Proficiency with stakeholder management and reporting tools and MS Office.