Job Description
The Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director is a senior technical and project leadership role responsible for fronting major rail design programmes across the UK & Ireland.
The role provides senior leadership on flagship rail programmes and major pursuits, complex regulatory environments and multi-partner delivery models within live operational stations.
Operating in close collaboration with Market Sector Leadership and Client Account Managers, the role has a primary focus on project leadership, delivery assurance and bid credibility, providing confidence and continuity from early concept and statutory stages through procurement and transition into delivery.
This role requires a recognised rail architecture expert with a strong industry profile, deep technical competence, and the gravitas to lead major pursuits and represent AECOM credibly at executive client and stakeholder level. Active contacts with key decision makers at Network Rail, Transport for London, TfGM, and other transport authorities are expected to help build our expanding rail business.
The overall aim for this position is to ensure AECOM is recognised and enhanced reputationally as a high-quality design partner in the rail industry, and is firmly in the minds of key decision makers as a consultancy to engage with at all stages of significant projects.
The successful candidate will:
Engage with and further develop mid‑to‑long‑term development strategy.
Prepare deliverables with the current multi‑disciplinary team of experts.
Work collaboratively with senior personnel to build an expanding rail business.
Critically assess the current operational model and consider improvements to support business development and increase market share.
Tangibly increase commissions in the near and mid‑term and expand the multi‑disciplinary scope of services within those projects.
Expand the business with high‑quality personnel to achieve sustainable revenue uplift from new commissioned projects.
Position AECOM to capture key design frameworks for the rail business, for example the GLA Architecture + Urbanism Framework.
Key Responsibilities – Project Leadership & Delivery
Lead the multi‑disciplinary delivery of large‑scale rail programmes, including stations, depots, and ancillary assets such as headhouses and OCS systems within live operational rail environments, ensuring quality, safety, innovation, and client satisfaction.
Oversee multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, rail systems, civils, structures, MEP, fire, security, digital, and specialist transportation systems.
Serve as Design Lead / Project Director on complex rail projects or wider rail development programmes.
Ensure compliance with rail regulations, including rail station planning principles, passenger flow strategies, security requirements, and operational and commercial constraints.
Manage risk, project governance, technical reviews, and quality processes.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the primary senior interface with rail authorities, operators, concessionaires, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
Influence early‑stage strategy, rail station concepts, optioneering, and master‑planning decisions.
Represent AECOM in workshops, steering groups, executive reviews, and project governance forums.
Build long‑term relationships that drive repeat work and client trust.
Business Development & Bids
Act as the accountable multi‑disciplinary design lead and a visible differentiator on major rail pursuits, adding sector credibility and technical authority.
Shape winning strategies for major pursuits, ECI bids, frameworks, and design competitions, and long‑term rail programmes and partnerships.
Collaborate with the Work Winning team to develop proposals, presentations, and client engagement plans.
Identify new business opportunities across the UK and international rail networks, emerging rail technologies, and major rail redevelopment and expansion programmes.
Technical Leadership
Lead and mentor teams on stations planning, wayfinding, passenger experience, flows, resilience, security and operational readiness.
Operate effectively within highly regulated environments, including DCO processes, operational change, security compliance and safety‑critical interfaces.
Drive innovation in digital delivery, including BIM, computational design, digital twins and simulation.
Champion sustainability, low‑carbon solutions and AECOM’s ESG commitments within rail environments.
Provide specialist guidance on station planning, constructability, logistics, forecourts and multi‑modal access.
Team & Practice Development
Work closely and collaboratively with the existing senior multi‑disciplinary B+P Design team.
Mentor the next generation of rail architects, engineers and project leaders with a focus on high‑quality design, project delivery, major bids and client‑facing capability.
Support recruitment, succession planning and capability development within the B+P multi‑disciplinary design practice.
Help shape AECOM’s UK and Global rail strategy in collaboration with business line leadership.
Qualifications
Qualified Architect (ARB / RIBA) or equivalent.
Industry‑recognised leader in rail architecture and complex rail environments, with a portfolio of major rail developments.
Experience delivering large‑scale projects (£200m+) with multidisciplinary teams.
Proven project leadership experience in high‑pressure, complex environments.
Credibility to act as Design Lead or Project Director on flagship aviation programmes.
Demonstrated success in bids, client leadership, and market‑facing roles.
Strong understanding of rail architecture and complex rail environments.
Proficiency with BIM‑based workflows; familiarity with computational/digital tools.
Preferred Experience
Leader of major UK stations and design programmes
Experience interfacing with contractors under DfMA, ECI, and Design & Build environments
Understanding of global rail trends
Additional Information (Optional)
ReqID: J10148258
Business Line: B&P – Buildings & Places
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India
Career Area: Design
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Reasonable accommodations will be provided.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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