Technical Director

Technical Director (Rail)

We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Technical Director (Rail) to join our Consulting Engineering division’s Systems Engineering, Information Management and Engineering Management practice. The role is based across Manchester, Birmingham, Derby, York, Bristol, Swindon and Cardiff, but we welcome applications from candidates across the UK.

What the role offers

• Standard 37.5‑hour week with flexible working options, including hybrid, part‑time and adaptable patterns.
• Exposure to high‑impact rail and infrastructure projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, Eastern Routes Partnership and Trans‑Pennine Route Upgrade.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through project exposure and industry events.

What You Will Be Doing

You will direct, establish, lead and govern the delivery of whole‑system railway solutions, ensuring effective integration across infrastructure, rolling stock, operations and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical specialist and subject‑matter expert in Systems Engineering, providing direction, guidance and supervision to projects, wider business, clients and suppliers.
• Hold engineering responsibility for Systems Engineering projects and ensure their commercial success by balancing cost, programme and delivery.
• Direct, lead and manage the application of Systems Engineering principles to complex, multi‑disciplinary rail engineering solutions – including planning, requirements development, system architecture, integration, migration, assurance, verification, validation and reviews of standards.
• Support the management and assessment of skills and competence, develop and deliver training, and support wider professional development.
• Lead audits and investigations related to Systems Engineering activities.
• Prepare and review technical reports, studies and programmes of work.
• Lead by example the application of CDM Regulations and Safe by Design principles.
• Collaborate across multiple projects, multi‑disciplinary teams and support knowledge sharing.
• Provide line‑management responsibilities when required.
• Develop case studies and speak at conferences, CPD events, etc.
• Lead bidding activities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience applying systems engineering processes within complex rail or major infrastructure environments.
• Strong knowledge of the whole railway system, its operation and maintenance, and associated legislative frameworks.
• Demonstrable experience of managing multiple stakeholders in complex projects.
• Strong conflict‑management, prioritisation and influence skills with a collaborative, client‑focused approach.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good knowledge of key systems engineering standards.
• Ability to apply Systems Thinking and navigate between problem and solution spaces.
• Understanding of key railway legislation, standards and their interactions.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations, ROGS and CSM‑REA.
• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status (preferred).
• Fellowship of an appropriate institution or demonstrable progress towards one.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.

What We Can Offer

• Exceptional personal development, training and progression plans.
• Competitive salary, up to 10% annual bonus and generous pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible benefits scheme – buy additional leave, insurance benefits, Cycle2Work, gym membership discounts.
• Access to thousands of discounts through the Save with Amey programme.
• Family‑friendly policies for new parents or caregivers.
• Membership of Affinity Networks to support diverse communities.
• Two social‑impact days per year for volunteering and fundraising.

Diversity and Inclusion

We seek to reflect the different needs and backgrounds of our employees and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. Please contact our recruitment team at peopleservices@amey.co.uk for any access needs, reasonable adjustments or additional support.

Application process

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.