Vertical Links Lead

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Job Description:

Parsons are seeking a seasoned a Vertical Links Lead to lead all activities related to Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for the PUA program, including long-term service contracts, operating agreements, maintenance frameworks, spares and consumables, and outsourced support services.

The role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that secure reliable, cost-effective O&M delivery, while ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with PUA performance and safety objectives.

What You'll Be Doing;

• Develop and own the O&M strategy for the PUA program, covering operations, maintenance, asset management, and support services.

• Define sourcing strategies and category plans for:

  • Operations service providers and operators
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance services
  • Long-term maintenance contracts and performance-based agreements
  • Spare parts, consumables, tools, and specialist equipment
  • Technical support, OEM services, and asset management systems

• Align O&M with lifecycle cost targets, reliability/availability requirements, and risk allocation strategy.

• Lead market sounding and industry engagement for O&M and related services to understand capability, capacity, and commercial models.

• Oversee preparation of all O&M-related documents, including:

  • RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and ITTs
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics
  • Commercial conditions, payment mechanisms, and incentive/penalty regimes

• Manage the full tender cycle: issue, clarifications, addenda, technical and commercial evaluation, negotiations, and recommendation for award.

• Ensure robust, auditable evaluation processes, including total cost of ownership and qualitative service criteria.

• Recommend appropriate contracting models for O&M (e.g. O&M contracts, performance-based maintenance, availability-based contracts, framework agreements, PPP/operate components).

• Work with legal, finance, risk, and technical teams to develop balanced contract terms addressing:

  • Performance and service levels
  • Asset condition and lifecycle obligations
  • Interfaces with capital works and systems suppliers
  • Risk allocation, warranties, and liquidated damages

• Lead commercial negotiations focused on lifecycle value, risk mitigation, and alignment with PUA operational objectives.

• Build and maintain a qualified supplier base for O&M services, OEMs, and critical spare partners within the transport sector.

• Support definition of performance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting requirements for O&M contracts.

• Establish mechanisms for supplier performance reviews, improvement plans, and escalation processes.

• Promote long-term, collaborative relationships where appropriate, while preserving competition and value-for-money.

• Apply DMO and PUA governance frameworks to all O&M procurement activities.

• Ensure full compliance with public regulations, funding body rules, and internal audit requirements.

• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks related to O&M contracts, feeding into the program-wide risk register.

• Prepare clear reports, evaluation summaries, business cases, and board papers for decision-making forums.

• Work closely with operations, maintenance, asset management, engineering, and finance teams to ensure O&M:

  • Reflects realistic technical and operational requirements
  • Supports asset lifecycle strategies and renewal plans
  • Aligns with budgets, tariffs, and business plans

• Support transition from construction to operations, including novation or integration of warranties, manuals, and spare parts into O&M arrangements.

• Ensure contract start dates, mobilisation periods, and lead times align with operational readiness and service commencement.

• Act as the primary O&M interface with:

  • Government agencies, regulators, and oversight bodies
  • Operators, maintenance providers, and key suppliers
  • Internal program leadership and DMO governance forums

• Present O&M strategies, tender outcomes, and contract recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Support consultations, approvals, and alignment with broader transport and asset management strategies.

• Lead and mentor a dedicated O&M team within the PUA program.

• Develop capabilities in service, performance-based contracting, and lifecycle commercial analysis.

• Promote best practice, standardization, and lessons learned across O&M processes, tools, and templates.

What Required Skills You'll Bring;

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline.

• Minimum 20 years’ experience within the transport sector (rail, metro, highways, public transport, or similar).

• Significant experience leading of O&M and long-term service contracts for major transport or infrastructure assets.

• Proven track record in complex tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award for high-value service and maintenance agreements.

• Strong understanding of operations, maintenance practices, asset management, and lifecycle costing in transport systems.

• Regional experience in GCC / Middle East (ideally Saudi Arabia) and familiarity with local regulations and O&M market dynamics.

• Strong commercial acumen, with expertise in service and lifecycle cost analysis.

• Advanced negotiation and contract structuring skills.

• In-depth knowledge of methodologies, evaluation techniques, and contract forms for O&M.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at executive level.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to transparent, auditable procurement.

• Strong analytical, risk-based decision-making, and documentation skills.

Desired Skills;

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Asset Management, Project Management, Supply Chain, Infrastructure Management).

• Professional certification (e.g. CIPS, ISM, RICS, or equivalent).

• Experience with performance-based contracts, availability-based payments, or PPP / concession O&M structures.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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