Rail Operations & Maintenance Lead – Ireland / Northern Ireland in Manchester

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role...

Based in either Belfast or Dublin, you will work across the full rail lifecycle—supporting projects that span infrastructure, depot operations, rolling stock, stations, asset management, operations, and maintenance. You will bring practical, real-world operational experience, complemented by consultancy and advisory expertise, to help clients navigate complex challenges and realise opportunities. As CEAS’s in-country representative, you will interface with the wider CEAS team and the broader WSP Rail business, ensuring that the right technical expertise is mobilised for Irish projects. You will collaborate closely with disciplines such as Rail Operational Planning, Rolling Stock, Rail Strategy & Feasibility, and Rail Digital Advisory to develop holistic, multidisciplinary solutions for clients. The role includes a strong client-facing element: understanding client needs, shaping work, supporting bids, and contributing directly to project delivery. You will act as a trusted advisor, providing a single, coherent voice for all CEAS capabilities in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What You Will Do

• Act as the key CEAS / Rail Advisory representative for projects and clients in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Provide technical leadership and input across one or more of the following areas: rail operations, maintenance, performance and/or asset management assignments.
• Work with CEAS and the wider WSP Rail business to scope, win and deliver multidisciplinary projects.
• Engage directly with clients, helping articulate needs, shape opportunities, and secure new work.
• Draw on WSP’s extensive technical resources to bring the right expertise to each commission.
• Support project delivery through hands-on involvement, including problem solving for complex or operationally critical issues.
• Contribute to the growth and development of CEAS capability in Ireland, supporting knowledge sharing and mentoring of junior colleagues.
• Represent CEAS’s holistic, whole system railway perspective—covering specification, commissioning, operations, maintenance and integration.

What We’re Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Strong expertise in rail operations, performance management and/or rail maintenance and asset management—across infrastructure, rolling stock, or both.
• Practical, real-world operational experience gained within rail organisations, complemented by consultancy or advisory experience.
• Experience in defining operational concepts, developing operational plans, procedures, and readiness activities.
• Understanding of emerging and transformative technologies and how they will influence future railway operations.
• Ability to engage confidently with clients, understand their challenges, and convert this into work opportunities.
• Experience working within and helping to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• A relevant qualification—either degree level or vocational—and working towards or having achieved professional registration.
• Strong understanding of whole system railway considerations, including the interface between operations, engineering, and systems integration.
• Experience of multidisciplinary work winning, including formal bid input and client relationship development.
• Direct experience of working with clients in the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland is highly desirable.

What Makes CEAS Different

CEAS provides holistic, whole-life solutions tailored to each client’s specific operational and strategic needs. Our advisors bring deep real-world experience in specifying, commissioning, operating and maintaining railways. We combine technical insight with practical problem solving, often stepping in to resolve complex or challenging issues. We value entrepreneurial thinking, new ideas and market insight—and look for people who can spot opportunities, shape solutions and help grow our presence and capability.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you—giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.