Joining Arup
Arup is a global leader in engineering, design, and consultancy services. We are dedicated to shaping a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Our UK rail business delivers projects across the project lifecycle - from planning and consenting, through design, engineering and construction support, to asset management and operation. The rail business has an increased focus on light rail (including Light Rail, Metro, Tram-train, Tram, Mass Transit, Urban Transit, Automated People Movers etc.) and you will be a key leader in the team.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director to lead Light Rail in the UK. This role is pivotal in finding, winning and delivering an increased market share for Arup in Light Rail design and consultancy work in the UK, with the opportunity to also support bids and projects in Europe, India, Middle East, Africa and Globally.
The successful candidate will have a proven record in successful delivery of all project stages, including all design stages, D&B and asset management. In addition to technical strength, the successful candidate will have an excellent knowledge of the current and proposed light rail schemes, key people in the industry and be considered a subject matter expert.
Is this role right for you?
The candidate will:
1. Have a strong track record of leading and preparing successful Light Rail project bids of varying size and scale to a range of clients in the UK and beyond.
2. Be well-respected in the Light Rail industry with a reputation for delivering outcomes for clients and projects.
3. Have a significant network of contacts in clients, contractors, partners and the supply chain and evidence of creating optimal delivery teams.
4. Be able to lead bids and projects, providing technical skill and a deep understanding of the key issues, risks, benefits and opportunities of Light Rail schemes. They may have a deeper understanding of a skill area with good evidence of understanding and delivering coherent system integration
5. Have experience of all project stages, enabling a breadth of knowledge and embedded understanding of interfaces, information, requirements, scope, programme, risk and cost.
6. Have experience of construction phase of Light Rail schemes, including an understanding of construction methodologies, key risks and optimal delivery approach to achieve outcomes.
7. Be experienced in attending and presenting at relevant industry conferences, with capability to provide thought pieces and collateral for social media posts and campaigns.
8. Be an active member of an appropriate industry body or association.
9. Have a Bachelor or Masters degree in Civil Engineering, or a related field, and be a Chartered Engineer with an internationally recognised professional institution.
10. Have experience of leading and managing team members – including pastoral care and wellbeing – noting that Arup intend for other recruits to work in conjunction with this role.
11. Have excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
12. Understand relevant standards for Light Rail schemes, including technical, Health & Safety, CDM Regulations, sustainability and operations.
13. Support and mentor our staff, with a focus on their development, growth and succession planning.
What We Offer you
At 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 Values
Arup 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.
Our Application 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: 5th September 2025