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Transdev is looking for a CEO/ Project Director in Saudia Arabia, Riyadh

Mobility Company

At Transdev, we are proud to make 12 million people travel everyday around the world to efficient, simple and eco-friendly transport services that serve the territories.

Because we operate a wide range of transportation modes (Metro, Commuter Trains, LRT/ Tramways, Bus Rapid Transit, Buses, Coaches, ferries, etc.) and as we are established in 19 countries across five continents, everywhere we are, we aspire to promote the initiative of our multicultural teams.

Joining Transdev means joining men and women who serve others and work in a meaningful industry: mobility.

Destination/ Roadmap

On 28 November 2024, Qiddiya Investment Company ("Client") has issued a request for proposal for the design, supply, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of Q-Shuttle and Park & Ride mobility services for the city of Qiddiya in KSA ("Project").

Transdev, as lead member, in consortium with Nesma (Saudi based group) and Moventis-TCC (Spanish based operator), 2 two highly experienced local and global partners, has responded to the RFP by submitting a proposal on March 25, 2025. Below the participation interests of in the Consortium:

          Transdev: 51%

          Nesma: 30%

          Moventis-TCC: 19%

Overall, the Consortium has over 50-years of service delivery experience.

Project Brief

The Project is greenfield and will be delivered as follows:

Project consists of 2 services line (mainly electric):

• Q-Shuttle Service (coaches): road-based regional service providing the connection from Riyadh to Qiddiya (total of 7 routes which will be delivered in 3 stages);
• Park & Ride Service (buses): providing a first/last mile connection between Park & Ride and Resort Core (Six Flags & Aqua Arabia theme parks) for visitors to Qiddiya arriving by private vehicle or taxi.
• Project Company will be the special purpose vehicle that will be set-up by the Consortium members (should the Consortium be awarded the Project) and that will establish a contractual relationship with the Client to deliver all works and services requirements throughout 10 years period.

Contractor will be responsible for:

Procure diesel and electric vehicle fleets for the Q-Shuttle and Park & Ride Service lines :

• Procure and integrate the ITS in the respective fleet.
• Design, construct, test and commission e-Depots, Charging Infrastructures and Welcome Centers and related ITS.
• Operation and maintenance of all the above assets.

Should the Consortium be awarded the Project, the Project Director / CEO will:

• Lead the management team of the Project Company and will play a key role in the ultimate delivery and day to day running of the Project
• Report to the Project Company board of directors. For matters related to Transdev Group, he/she will report to the Transdev Senior Vice President in charge of Asia, Middle East & Africa region part of the International Zone
• Provide leadership and appropriate strategic direction relative to the management of the business; achieve targets and service level objectives aligned with contractual obligations and customer expectations, within agreed budget, optimum profitability and effective use of assets leveraging internal and external resources

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the Executive Committee of the Project Company which will comprise of other key senior leaders in charge of delivery the Project. Key responsibilities for the Executive Committee that will be in place throughout the 10-years of the Contract Period, will include:

• Owning the vision for the Project
• Leading the Project, providing clear leadership and direction throughout its life
• Securing the budget required from the outset to set up and run the project, and fund the transition activities so that the desired benefits can be realized
• Providing overall direction and leadership for the delivery and implementation of the project
• Having accountability for its outcomes
• Being accountable for the Project's governance arrangements
• Managing the interface with key senior stakeholders, keeping them engaged and informed
• Managing the key strategic risks facing the project
• Maintaining the alignment of the Project to the Client's strategic direction

Main missions of the Project Director / CEO consist in:

1.Business Improvement

• Developing short, medium and long term operational and strategic plans aligned with the bid and yearly approved budget and overall Consortium objectives and in alignment with all contractual obligations
• Developing effective relationships and value propositions with the Client, Project Company shareholders and all involved stakeholders and subcontractors

2.Financial Management

• Accountable of financial performance of Project Company
• Providing leadership in monitoring financial performance through addressing cost impacts and maximizing the return on investment to achieve optimum profitability - operational expenditure, indirect expenditure management, process efficiencies and service quality imperatives
• Establishing budget priorities and ensure that operations are maintained within established financial objectives and agreed budget

3.Construction, Mobilization and Initial Operation Phase (Years 1-2 from Contract execution)

• Lead, oversee and ensure seamless coordination between the (i) construction of the infrastructures (e-depots, EV infrastructures and welcome centers); (ii) the mobilization and set-up of the operational readiness for starting operations on time (in compliance with the planning and activities agreed with the Client); and (iii) the initial operations, during the first 2 years when those phases will run concurrently

Leading the mobilization of all aspects of the Project Company for starting operations on time including, but not limited to:

• Recruitment, ramp-up and training of staff to be ready for phased fleet deployment
• Establishment of the standard operating procedure, safety protocols, operation of the trial periods
• Delivering all contractual requirements, as applicable, to ensure completion of the Project on time.

4.O&M Phase (Years 1-10 from Contract execution)

• Responsible for the implementation of the services as per the contractual agreement and planning
• Developing capability strategies to optimise cost and maximise value for the Project
• Leading the development and implementation of change management solutions which target operational deficiencies and improve the overall efficiency of the business.
• Leading, encouraging and coaching the management team and creating an environment to enable development of staff into highly motivated professionals

• Delivering on the employee and the customer value propositions as well as drive performance and customer driven culture.

Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree (or formally recognised equivalent) which will need to be formally attested.
• At least 10-years of experience in senior managerial positions within the public transport industry (transition, ramp up / mobilization and O&M). Proven experience in managing electric fleet, understanding of EV systems and charging technologies and planning and construction of electric Depots.
• Must have worked and successfully delivered projects similar to the Project in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive senior management experience in a public transport services environment with exposure to leading cross functional teams and the ability to inspire and leverage direct and indirect functional service providers.
• Excellent communication, organizational and stakeholder engagement skill.
• Candidates of all nationalities and religious backgrounds are welcome to apply.
• Job will be based in Riyadh (KSA) at the Consortium's premises.

Skills

• Strong understanding of the transport and infrastructure industry, economic environment, including understanding of current and future trends in multi-modal operations and in providing a public transport service in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong coordination skills, technical understanding of electric mobility and proven experience in managing large-scale public transport networks like the Project
• Demonstrated experience as an agent of change in challenging environments and in fostering a confident and capable workforce as well as strong agility to adapt to a constantly changing environment, a strong achievement orientation, and excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong business orientation and an ability to understand and present strategic and operational challenges in terms of financial and other shareholder value measures.
• Innovative thinker and able to employ latest management and business practice concepts into the business management model, including establishing and driving good governance and appropriate systems (both information and technological) to manage and report risks and opportunities.

Language

• English full proficiency is required
• An understanding of Arabic would be a strong advantage

Additional information

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia