Rail Operation Director

For the purpose of the expected award in Manila for the project detailed below, we are looking for expressions of interest for the position of: Rail Operation Director

The North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is a major heavy rail infrastructure project designed to transform mobility across Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces. Spanning approximately 147 km (34 stations) from Clark in the north to Calamba in the south, the system is a fully electrified, double-track, standard-gauge railway, built to international heavy rail standards.

The NSCR is conceived as a high-capacity heavy rail system, capable of supporting both commuter and airport express services, with infrastructure designed for intensive operations, high speeds (up to 160 km/h), and large passenger volumes. The network includes modern stations, full grade separation, and advanced signaling and control systems, ensuring high levels of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency typical of major metropolitan heavy rail networks.

The rolling stock consists of electric multiple units (EMUs) compliant with international heavy rail specifications, enabling high acceleration, optimized dwell times, and energy-efficient operations. Two types of EMUs will operate on the line: Commuter trains and Limited Express trains. Both are configured for high-frequency commuter services, and for limited-stop airport express services, all featuring air-conditioned cars, wide doors, and layouts designed for high passenger throughput and rapid boarding/alighting.
The NSCR is expected to significantly increase the rail modal share in the region, targeting up to 800,000 passengers per day in its full configuration.

By connecting key economic hubs, residential areas, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the system will play a critical role in reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and supporting sustainable urban development.
As a flagship heavy rail project, NSCR requires extensive expertise in high-capacity rail systems, including operations, maintenance, and asset management aligned with international best practices. Experience in heavy rail environments is therefore a key prerequisite for all critical roles within the project.

Transdev, together with its consortium partners Tokyo Metro, Mitsubishi Corporation and Ayala, has formed a consortium to address the bid and, upon award, will deliver the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the overall system, bringing together strong and complementary local & international expertise in high-capacity rail operations and asset management.

Project Context
The NSCR is the largest railway infrastructure projects currently being delivered in the Philippines. It is currently under construction by the appointed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractors. Commercial service is planned to start progressively through a series of phased operational openings, with infrastructure, systems and operational sections becoming available as construction, testing, commissioning and readiness activities are completed. The first phase is currently expected to be handed over to the O&M Concessionaire towards the end of Q4 2027.

Following Contract Award, the O&M Concessionaire will undertake a comprehensive pre-operations phase, working closely with the Grantors, EPC Contractors, the Independent Consultant, the Employer's Independent Safety Assessor (E-ISA), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and other stakeholders to support the transition from project delivery into passenger railway operations.

Key activities during this period will include mobilisation of the O&M organisation, recruitment and onboarding of personnel, development and implementation of operational procedures, training and competency management, participation in Testing and Integration activities, operational readiness planning, Safety Case development, Trial Running and preparation for phased commencement of passenger services. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to contribute not only to the long-term operation of the railway, but also to the establishment, preparation and progressive commissioning of the operational railway organisation from mobilisation through to the successive Partial Operation phases until Full Operation.

Role Purpose
The Rail Operation Director’s role is to define, implement, and lead the railway operations strategy and delivery, ensuring safe, reliable, and high-capacity service performance, while optimising efficiency and meeting contractual and regulatory requirements in a heavy rail environment.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement the overall railway operations strategy aligned with business and client objectives
• Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable train operations and service delivery across the network
• Oversee train operations, station operations, and Operations Control Center
• Drive performance against key operational KPIs (punctuality, reliability, capacity, safety)
• Ensure compliance with operating rules, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate closely with maintenance, and asset management teams
• Lead operational planning, service optimisation, and capacity management
• Manage incident response and service recovery strategies
• Oversee mobilisation and operational readiness of the system
• Manage relationships with clients, regulators, and key stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives

Your profile

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant industry experience in heavy rail, high-capacity metro or mass transit systems
• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) specialising in operations and maintenance of commuter or mass transit rail systems
• Proven track record in delivering complex rail operations projects efficiently and effectively
• Strong expertise in heavy rail operations and service delivery
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale operations teams
• Strong understanding of high-frequency and high-capacity rail systems
• Experience in performance-based environments and KPI delivery
• Demonstrated capability in safety management and regulatory compliance
• Experience in mobilisation or start-up of rail systems is highly desirable
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience in complex, multi-stakeholder or international environments is an advantage

Language
You speak and write English fluently.

Additional information
Location: Manila, Philippines
Award date : December 2026
Expected contract signature : January 2027
Mobilisation date : Early 2027