At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major rail and transit programs, ensuring successful delivery and strategic direction.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure committed to delivering a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive benefits, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical national projects while shaping the future of transportation.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in infrastructure delivery with strong leadership in rail or transit programs.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At AECOM, we understand that large programs require the management, coordination and integration of multiple, concurrent projects. By connecting our expertise across services, markets, and geographies, we manage outcome-driven projects that deliver social, economic and environmental value.
The Program Director – Rail and Transit is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategy, governance, delivery, and successful outcomes of large, complex rail and transit programs. The role provides executive leadership across all phases of the program lifecycle, from pursuit and mobilization through delivery, commissioning, and operational readiness.
The Program Director establishes the vision and delivery framework for major rail infrastructure investments, ensuring alignment with client objectives, rail industry regulations, public expectations, and organizational priorities. The role oversees multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, systems integration, construction, operations, commercial management, environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
As the accountable executive for program performance, the Program Director drives safety excellence, operational reliability, digital innovation, and sustainable delivery while maintaining focus on schedule, budget, quality, and long-term asset performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Program Leadership: Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for major rail and transit programs, ensuring successful achievement of client, regulatory, operational, and business objectives.
- Rail Systems & Operations Integration: Oversee integration across all rail disciplines including track, signaling, communications, traction power, overhead catenary systems, stations, depots, rolling stock interfaces, and operational systems.
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Serve as the senior safety leader for the program, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Client & Stakeholder Leadership: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client executives, rail operators, government agencies, regulators, funding bodies, and community stakeholders.
- Commercial & Financial Management: Provide executive oversight of program commercial strategy, contract administration, claims resolution, procurement, and supplier performance.
- Innovation & Capability Development: Champion innovation, digital delivery, BIM, digital engineering, data analytics, and emerging rail technologies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, Transportation, Business, or a related field.
- Typically 20+ years of experience in infrastructure delivery, including significant leadership experience on major rail, transit, or transportation programs.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-billion-dollar rail infrastructure programs involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
- Deep understanding of rail systems, infrastructure delivery models, regulatory environments, and operational requirements.
Additional Information:
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.
Program Management Director, Rail & Transit employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in the South East, where you can make a meaningful impact on transport planning while enjoying a range of personalised benefits tailored to support your well-being and professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Management Director, Rail & Transit
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AECOM, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Program Management Director, Rail & Transit at AECOM.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Management Director, Rail & Transit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
