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Transforming railway infrastructure in the Middle East with Nicola Henderson-Reid

At AtkinsRéalis, we don’t just build railways; we deliver transformation. From high-speed networks to urban transit systems, our work connects cities, drives economies, and shapes the future of mobility.

With major programmes now underway across the Middle East, we are inviting the world’s best talent to join us in delivering infrastructure that truly matters.

Nicola Henderson-Reid

 

Global expertise, local impact

Our rail capability is built on real-world execution at scale. We bring decades of delivery excellence, deep technical expertise, and a commitment to innovation, we have led projects from the UK’s High Speed Two (HS2) to the Riyadh Metro.

This global experience is embodied by leaders like Nicola Henderson-Reid, our Senior Director and Head of Project & Programme Services (PPS) for the Middle East. A Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and MAPM accredited leader, Nicola oversees a strategic capability of over 1,200 professionals across delivery management, controls & assurance, and cost & commercial functions.

From HS2 to the Middle East: A track record of transformation

Nicola led strategic programme delivery on HS2, the UK’s flagship high-speed rail programme where her leadership reflected the scale, complexity and ambition that defines our global portfolio.

Nicola’s work on HS2 included:

Main works civils (Phase one)

As Head of Programme Delivery, Nicola led the £7 billion EKFB contract, a complex and geographically expansive 80km section at the heart of HS2 Phase One and positioned on the most strategically important sections of Phase One. Her role involved driving performance through strategic partnering, rigorous governance, and integrated delivery across civils, stations, and systems, within a dynamic and evolving delivery environment.

Land and property (Phase one)

Nicola oversaw the final phase of the UK’s largest-ever land acquisition programme, a nationally significant undertaking that enabled HS2’s critical path. Her leadership was instrumental in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, mitigating multi-billion-pound risks, and unlocking the conditions necessary for construction to commence. This milestone exemplifies the calibre of programme leadership required to deliver infrastructure of national importance.

Curzon street station and district (Phase one)

At the heart of Birmingham’s urban transformation, Nicola led the development, design, procurement, and enabling works for HS2’s flagship Curzon Street station. Far beyond the construction of a transport hub, this initiative was a catalyst for regeneration — seamlessly integrating commercial, residential, and mobility infrastructure into the city’s Eastside Masterplan. Her leadership was instrumental in securing unanimous design consent across government stakeholders, unlocking a new era of regional growth and setting a precedent for integrated infrastructure delivery in the UK.

HS2

 

Why the Middle East?

We are now applying this same standard of delivery excellence to transformative programmes across the Middle East. These ambitious projects demand strategic leadership, complex integration, and flawless execution that defined our work on HS2.

This is more than just an opportunity to build impressive infrastructure; it's a chance to shape the future of mobility in a region undergoing unprecedented growth.

Join us in delivering infrastructure that matters

Whether you're a programme leader, technical specialist, or commercial strategist, you’ll be part of a team that:

• Operates at the intersection of strategy and execution. 

•Delivers complex infrastructure with clarity and confidence. 

•Build capability through mentorship, innovation, and inclusion.

The Middle East is investing in infrastructure at a scale rarely seen before. At AtkinsRéalis, we’re at the forefront of this movement, and we’re looking for exceptional talent to help us deliver.

If you are ready to work on high-profile programmes that will define the future of rail and want to be part of a team that leads with purpose, we would love to hear from you.

Explore our railway opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and start your journey with us.

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Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.