At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major rail design programmes and ensure project delivery excellence.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Collaborate with top industry experts and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in rail architecture and large-scale project leadership.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ 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, Tf GM, 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.
- 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)
Key Responsibilities - Project Leadership & Delivery
- 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. 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., Leader of major UK stations and design programmes
- Experience interfacing with contractors under Df MA, ECI, and Design & Build environments
- Understanding of global rail trends Work with Us. Change the World.
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world.
Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.
We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM.
With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand.
We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world.
Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity
You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options.
Whether you're working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.
You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.
We’re the world's trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together - your growth and success are ours too.
Join us, and you'll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm - access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.
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Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in City of Westminster employer: AECOM
AECOM is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the vibrant cities of Cardiff and Bristol. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to pursue Chartered status while engaging in impactful projects within the Healthcare and Education sectors. The company offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment that values technical excellence and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in City of Westminster
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from AECOM who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at AECOM!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to AECOM. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at AECOM.
