Joining ArupArup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
Our Rail business brings together multidisciplinary specialists to deliver complex and transformative rail projects across the UK. Our portfolio spans major programmes, route upgrades, depots, signalling and electrification renewals, station and infrastructure remodelling, level crossing upgrades and projects across the full design lifecycle.
We are looking for an experienced Rail Design Manager to join our team and take a leading role in coordinating, integrating and assuring multidisciplinary rail design. You will work closely with clients including Network Rail, contractors, train operators, local and combined authorities and national transport bodies, helping deliver technically excellent and successful project outcomes.
The OpportunityAs a Rail Design Manager, you will lead and integrate multidisciplinary design delivery across complex UK rail projects, coordinating engineering activities, deliverables and technical interfaces.
You may operate as a Contractor's Engineering Manager (CEM), CEM-D or equivalent, establishing engineering management and assurance approaches and coordinating CREs and other engineering roles. You will lead requirements, interfaces, risk, change and design reviews, resolving complex challenges and supporting sound technical decisions.
In this client-facing role, you will be a key engineering contact for clients and delivery partners, building trusted relationships, understanding requirements, communicating issues and collaborating to achieve quality, programme and commercial outcomes.
You will also support bids and work-winning through technical methodologies, estimates, programmes and resource planning, while mentoring aspiring Design Managers, CEMs and CREs and strengthening design management capability across our Rail business.
The role offers scope to deepen your expertise in multidisciplinary integration, engineering assurance and CEM practice, while improving project performance and developing Arup's rail design management services. At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
We are looking for people who:· Have strong experience leading multidisciplinary rail design delivery across feasibility, scheme and detailed design, with responsibility for integrated quality, programme and commercial outcomes.· Have experience operating as a CEM-D, CEM or equivalent engineering manager, with the ability to establish effective engineering governance and assurance arrangements and coordinate CREs and other engineering roles.· Understand Network Rail and major infrastructure design assurance processes, including NR/L2/RSE/02009 principles, design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination and acceptance of technical deliverables.· Hold a relevant engineering qualification and Chartered Engineer status with an appropriate professional engineering institution, alongside good knowledge of requirements, interfaces, risk, change, CDM, CSM and safe-by-design principles.· Are confident leading multidisciplinary teams and building strong client and stakeholder relationships, with a collaborative approach to mentoring others, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Not ready to apply just yet or have some questions? Contact Drina Zupanovic at Drina.
Zupanovicgerard@arup.com - Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
What we offer youAt Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you'll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared valuesArup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.
Zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application ProcessTo understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.
Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
Closing Date: 16.11.2026We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.#LI-DNI #RAIL_Jobs_UKIMEA#NOR_UK_Jobs
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