At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major rail design programmes and ensure high-quality delivery across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join AECOM, a leader in infrastructure and environment with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and sustainability in rail architecture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on flagship rail projects and shape the future of transport.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified architect with experience in large-scale rail projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director is a senior technical and project leadership role responsible for fronting major rail design programmes across the UK & Ireland. The role provides senior leadership on flagship rail programmes and major pursuits, complex regulatory environments and multi-partner delivery models within live operational stations.
Operating in close collaboration with Market Sector Leadership and Client Account Managers, the role has a primary focus on project leadership, delivery assurance and bid credibility, providing confidence and continuity from early concept and statutory stages through procurement and transition into delivery.
This role requires a recognised rail architecture expert with a strong industry profile, deep technical competence, and the gravitas to lead major pursuits and represent AECOM credibly at executive client and stakeholder level. We would expect the right candidate to have active contacts with key decision makers at Network Rail, Transport for London, TfGM, and other transport authorities to help build our expanding rail business.
The overall aim for this position is to ensure AECOM is recognised and enhanced reputationally as a high-quality design partner in the rail industry, and is firmly in the minds of key decision makers as a consultancy to engage with at all stages of significant projects.
The successful candidate will:
- Engage with and further develop our current mid to long term development strategy prepared by our current multi-disciplinary team of experts.
- Work collaboratively with our existing team of senior personnel to build our expanding rail business.
- Critically assess our current operational model and consider how it can be improved and evolved to support business development and expanding market share.
- Tangibly increase in the near and mid-term the number of commissions we have and expand our multi-disciplinary scope of services as part of those projects.
- Expand our business with high quality and committed personnel added to our team based on a sustainable revenue uplift from new commissioned projects.
- Position AECOM to successfully capture key design frameworks for the rail business (for example, the GLA Architecture + Urbanism Framework).
- Lead the multi-disciplinary delivery of large-scale rail programmes, including stations, depots, and ancillary assets such as headhouses and OCS systems within live operational rail environments, ensuring quality, safety, innovation, and client satisfaction.
- Oversee multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, rail systems, civils, structures, MEP, fire, security, digital, and specialist transportation systems.
- Serve as Design Lead / Project Director on complex rail projects or wider rail development programmes.
- Ensure compliance with rail regulations, including rail station planning principles, passenger flow strategies, security requirements, and operational and commercial constraints.
- Manage risk, project governance, technical reviews, and quality processes.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary senior interface with rail authorities, operators, concessionaires, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
- Influence early-stage strategy, rail station concepts, optioneering, and masterplanning decisions.
- Represent AECOM in workshops, steering groups, executive reviews, and project governance forums.
- Build long-term relationships that drive repeat work and client trust.
Business Development & Bids
- Act as the accountable multi-disciplinary design lead and a visible differentiator on major rail pursuits, adding sector credibility and technical authority.
- Shape winning strategies for Major Pursuits, ECI bids, frameworks, and design competitions, and long-term rail programmes and partnerships.
- Collaborate with our Work Winning team to develop proposals, presentations, and client engagement plans.
- Identify new business opportunities across UK and international rail networks, emerging rail technologies, and major rail redevelopment and expansion programmes.
Technical Leadership
- Lead and mentor teams on stations planning, wayfinding, passenger experience, flows, resilience, security and operational readiness.
- Operate effectively within highly regulated environments, including DCO processes, operational change, security compliance and safety-critical interfaces.
- Drive innovation in digital delivery, including BIM, computational design, digital twins, and simulation.
- Champion sustainability, low-carbon solutions, and AECOM's ESG commitments within Rail environments.
- Provide specialist guidance on station planning, constructability, logistics, forecourts and multi-modal access.
Team & Practice Development
- Work closely and collaboratively with our existing senior multi-disciplinary B+P Design team.
- Mentor the next generation of rail architects, engineers, and project leaders with a focus on high-quality design, project delivery, major bids and client-facing capability.
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and capability development within the B+P multi-disciplinary design practice.
- Help shape AECOM's UK and Global rail strategy in collaboration with business line leadership.
Qualifications
- Qualified Architect (ARB / RIBA) or equivalent.
- Industry-recognised leader in rail architecture and complex rail environments, with a portfolio of major rail developments.
- Experience delivering large-scale projects (£200m+) with multidisciplinary teams.
- Proven project leadership experience in high-pressure, complex environments.
- Credibility to act as Design Lead or Project Director on flagship aviation programmes.
- Demonstrated success in bids, client leadership, and market-facing roles.
- Strong understanding of rail Architecture, and complex rail environments.
- Proficiency with BIM-based workflows; familiarity with computational/digital tools.
Additional Information
- Preferred Experience: Leader of major UK stations and design programmes.
- Experience interfacing with contractors under DfMA, ECI, and Design & Build environments.
- Understanding of global rail trends.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address ReasonableAccommodations@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in London employer: AECO
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, AECOM provides extensive professional development opportunities and encourages a culture of mentorship, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to high-profile rail projects that shape the future of transportation. Our hybrid work model and focus on sustainability further enhance the appeal of joining a leading consultancy that values both its people and the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend rail conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on rail architecture and major programmes. Let them see your passion and knowledge shine through.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity. Make sure to tailor your pitch to the specific needs of the company. Highlight how your experience aligns with their projects and goals, especially in complex regulatory environments.
✨Apply Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better shot at being noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in rail architecture and project leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've led major projects or improved processes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made in your career.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for rail architecture and your vision for the future of the industry. It helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and gives you a better shot at joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECO
✨Know Your Rail Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in rail architecture. Familiarise yourself with AECOM's recent projects and how they align with industry standards. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in complex rail projects. This will highlight your capability to lead at AECOM.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Think about your past experiences working with clients and stakeholders. Be prepared to share how you've built long-term relationships and influenced key decisions. This is crucial for a role that requires acting as a primary interface with rail authorities and other partners.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen
Have a few ideas ready on how you can help expand AECOM's rail business. Discuss potential new business opportunities or innovative strategies for major pursuits. This shows you're not just thinking about the role but also about the future growth of the company.
