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.
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 employer: AECO
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets collaboration. As a leader in rail architecture, we provide our employees with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to work on flagship projects that shape the future of transportation. Our commitment to diversity, sustainability, and employee well-being ensures that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those at Network Rail and Transport for London. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn – it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in leading major rail projects. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered results – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Don’t just wait for roles to pop up; reach out to companies you admire, like AECOM, and express your interest. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to apply for roles like the Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission in the rail industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director
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 Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
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 major projects and frameworks relevant to AECOM, as well as your own experience with large-scale developments. This will help you speak confidently about your expertise and how it aligns with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project leadership experience, especially in high-pressure environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and managed complex projects, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build long-term relationships with key decision-makers in the rail industry. Prepare to discuss your existing contacts and how you plan to leverage these relationships to enhance AECOM's reputation and business development efforts.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your strategies for winning bids and expanding market share. Highlight any successful proposals or partnerships you've been involved in, and how you can contribute to AECOM's growth in the rail sector.
