Technical Director (Rail)

We have a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Technical Director (Rail) to join the team within our Consulting Engineering division. You’ll be part of the Systems Engineering, Information Management and Engineering Management practice, currently based across Manchester, Birmingham, Derby, York, Bristol, Swindon and Cardiff. We welcome applications from candidates across these regions and elsewhere in the UK. You’ll become part of our vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates our differences and makes a real impact across the UK.

What will the role offer? The standard working week is 37.5 hours, and we offer a range of flexible working practices, including hybrid, part‑time and adaptable working patterns, allowing you to adjust how you work as your life evolves.

Key Projects: Amey is one of the few privately owned railway operations and maintenance organisations in the UK, as well as a leading provider of engineering services to the transportation sector. We manage and deliver railway solutions across all project lifecycles stages and beyond into operational service, driving improved connectivity, enhancing passenger journeys, and shaping the future of infrastructure safety and efficiency. As an appointed Design Partner on some of the UK’s most significant and complex rail and highways infrastructure projects, we are proud to support major programmes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, Eastern Routes Partnership, Northwest & Central Framework, Core Valley Lines, Trans‑Pennine Route Upgrade, and Cardiff Crossrail, as well as broader international opportunities. These programmes provide a diverse range of opportunities for personal and professional development, whether you are working on long‑term, high‑value frameworks or smaller, community‑focused initiatives.

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 include:

• Technical specialist and subject matter expert in Systems Engineering, providing direction, guidance and supervision as appropriate to projects, the wider Amey business, clients and suppliers.
• Holding engineering responsibility for the delivery of Systems Engineering projects.
• Ensuring the commercial success of Systems Engineering projects, balancing cost and programme with delivery.
• Directing, leading and managing the application of Systems Engineering principles and techniques to support the definition, integration and delivery of complex, multi‑disciplinary rail engineering solutions.
• Review of new, updated and withdrawn standards related to Systems Engineering activities within the business.
• Support the development, management and assessment of skills and competence within the business.
• Develop and deliver training and support the wider professional development of the practice.
• Support and lead audits and investigations related to Systems Engineering activities within the business.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, studies and programmes of work.
• Leading by example the application of CDM Regulations and Safe by Design principles.
• Working collaboratively across multiple projects, within multi‑disciplinary project teams and supporting knowledge sharing.
• Line management responsibilities where required by the business.
• Developing case studies and speaking at conferences, CPD events etc.
• Leading bidding activities.

We want to hear from you if you have:

• Significant experience applying systems engineering processes within a number of complex rail or major infrastructure environments, working within multi ‑ disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of the whole railway system, its operation and maintenance, and the legislative environment it sits within.
• Demonstrable experience of managing multiple stakeholders within complex project contexts.
• Strong ability to manage conflicts and priorities, exert influence and lead by example.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, client‑focused approach.
• Good knowledge of key systems engineering standards.
• The ability to apply Systems Thinking and systems concepts to situations, and the ability to consciously work in, and swap between, the problem and solution space.
• Understanding of key railway legislation, standards and how they interact.
• Knowledge of CDM Regulations, ROGS and CSM-REA.
• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
• Fellowship of appropriate institution (or demonstrably working towards).
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, or demonstrable equivalent experience.

What we can offer: Our benefits are designed to help you thrive at work and in your home life. You will have the flexibility to choose benefits and development opportunities that are best for you. Some of our benefits include:

• Exceptional personal development, training and progression plans, designed to allow you to shine in your career, all in line with your personal ambition.
• Competitive salary and compensation, plus an annual bonus.
• Generous pension scheme, with extra contributions from Amey.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Flexible benefits scheme, including the option to buy additional annual leave and insurance benefits, Cycle2Work scheme and access to discounted gym membership.
• Our Save with Amey programme gives you access to thousands of discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in.
• Family friendly policies for new parents or if you provide care for a dependant.
• Membership of our Affinity Networks who connect, support and inspire diverse communities within Amey.
• Two Social Impact Days each year, for volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

About Amey: Amey is a global, integrated infrastructure consultancy and operations partner. We design, deliver, protect, and maintain critical assets and systems. Who we are: We advise, design, finance, deliver, and enhance civic, transport, and defense systems. By combining strategic intelligence, engineering, infrastructure finance, and operational expertise, we create secure, resilient, compliant, and high‑value outcomes across the lifecycles of new and legacy assets.

Diversity and Inclusion: We constantly evolve how we work to reflect the different needs and backgrounds of our employees. We seek out the skills, joy and energy that often‑marginalised groups can bring to our teams and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their 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 to discuss any access needs, reasonable adjustments or additional support that you may require at any point during the recruitment process.

Apply today: We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible.