Head of Digital Operations

Job Description

AtkinsRéalis are recruiting for a site-based Head of Digital Operations on the Digital Delivery Team on NEOM THE LINE in KSA.

About AtkinsRéalis  

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.  News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

Role Purpose

The Head of Digital Operations acts as deputy to Director of Digital Systems, providing digital delivery leadership of (Snr.) BIM and GIS managers ensuring all design and engineering consultants (including cost management and other specialists) at city, neighbourhood and anchor asset levels for districts and Marina of Phase 1 adhere to THE LINE EIR’s and other mandatory digital requirements. This role is critical in ensuring the digital frameworks, tools, and systems required for project execution, monitoring, and completion are implemented, integrated, and optimized across all stages of the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will bring their AEC / Design & Construction experience and be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary digital team, managing the end-to-end delivery of digital initiatives, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of innovation, efficiency, and compliance.

Core Responsibilities

• Digital strategy & execution: develop and implement a comprehensive digital operations strategy aligned with the overall project goals, including the integration of advanced technologies such as IOT, AI, BIM (building information modelling), GIS (geographical information systems) and cloud computing.
• Leadership & team management: lead and manage the digital operations team, both in-Kingdom (IK), and out-of-Kingdom (OOK), ensuring efficient allocation of resources, development of skills, and high-performance delivery.
• Foster collaboration between the digital team and other departments such as engineering, procurement, and construction.
• Technology implementation & integration: Oversee the deployment and integration of digital platforms, software, and tools to enhance project delivery, data analytics, and communication. This includes, but is not limited to, the Common Data Environment (CDE), such as ACC, Revizto, project management software, and ensuring the seamless transition of project data into digital twin technologies for operational use.
• Data management & analytics: develop and implement data management strategies that ensure real-time visibility into project performance, predictive analytics for risk mitigation, and data-driven decision-making. Oversee the collection, storage, and analysis of all project-related data.
• Stakeholder collaboration: work closely with internal teams, external partners, contractors, and other NEOM entities to ensure seamless integration of digital operations with the project’s broader objectives. Facilitate clear communication across all parties to ensure alignment on digital deliverables.
• Cybersecurity & compliance: ensure that digital operations adhere to the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance. Develop protocols for monitoring and responding to potential digital security threats.
• Innovation & continuous improvement: identify and assess emerging technologies that could enhance operational efficiency or project outcomes. Implement continuous improvement processes to keep the digital operations agile, cost-effective, and future-proof.
• Project delivery & performance monitoring: monitor the performance of digital operations, ensuring milestones are achieved on time and within budget. Report on digital project KPI’s and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Vendor & contract management: manage relationships with digital technology vendors, ensuring the timely delivery of products and services. Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements (slas) that align with project requirements and timelines.

Core Competencies

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in the AEC/Design & Construction industry, with a proven track record of delivering major programs involving design technology implementation.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of BIM and GIS Managers
• Extensive experience in defining Information Requirements and establishing Digital Delivery Processes and Procedures in compliance with international standards, such as ISO 19650.
• Experience in defining an approach to managing large packages of engineering work and associated deliverables
• Experience in digital operations or IT management, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within large-scale infrastructure, construction, or mega-project environments.
• Experience in managing digital transformation in complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• In-depth knowledge and proven experience in implementing advanced digital tools and technologies, including those supporting BIM, GIS, IoT, AI, and cloud-based platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of project management software, ERP systems, and digital platforms.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity protocols, data management best practices, and compliance standards.
• Broad understanding of AEC software including the Autodesk, ESRI and Bentley suite of products.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a focus on delivering results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to drive digital transformation
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent project and resource management skills
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables effectively
• High degree of cultural awareness and adaptability, particularly in the Middle Eastern business environment

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture / Engineering / Construction, or related field.

Desirable

• Master’s degree
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL, BIM certification)

Why choose AtkinsRéalis

• Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.
• Thrive with us. When you join us, your wellbeing, health and safety become our top priority.
• Engineering the future with digital. From design and engineering to project management, digital is fundamental to our way of working.
• Champion lasting change. We build sustainability into everything we do.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary
• Medical and life insurance cover.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Annual flight allowance to point of origin.
• Employee Wellbeing Programme – 24 hour free advice on financial, legal and family care specialists and also access to personal health, fitness and nutrition consultants

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.

Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.

Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect.

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.