Rail & Major Programmes Architecture Director

Overview

In this role, you lead top-tier rail design programmes across the UK & Ireland, guiding delivery from concept through procurement to operation. You will work with market leaders and clients to shape strategy, ensure design excellence, and drive bid credibility. With a strong industry profile, you’ll represent AECOM at executive levels and help expand our rail business. This is a chance to influence flagship projects and accelerate sustainable, multi-disciplinary rail solutions.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid work options
• competitive compensation and benefits
• well-being programs
• global opportunities
• diversity, equity and inclusion
• disability confident employer

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary delivery of large-scale rail programmes (stations, depots, headhouses, OCS) in live environments with emphasis on quality, safety and client satisfaction
• Coordinate architecture, rail systems, civils, structures, MEP, fire, security, digital and specialist transport disciplines
• Act as Design Lead / Project Director on complex rail projects and development programmes
• Ensure compliance with rail regulations, station planning, passenger flow, security and commercial constraints
• Manage risk, governance, technical reviews and quality processes
• Engage with rail authorities, operators, concessionaires, developers, contractors and regulators as senior interface
• Influence early-stage strategy, concept development, optioneering and masterplanning decisions
• Shape winning strategies for major pursuits, bids, frameworks and long-term rail programmes
• Collaborate with Work Winning to develop proposals and client engagement plans
• Identify new business opportunities across UK and international rail networks and emerging technologies
• Lead and mentor teams on station planning, passenger experience, flows, resilience and operational readiness
• Drive innovation in digital delivery (BIM, computational design, digital twins, simulation) and champion sustainability and ESG in rail environments
• Support recruitment, capability development and contribute to UK/global rail strategy

Key requirements

• Qualified Architect (ARB / RIBA) or equivalent
• Industry-recognised leader in rail architecture with major rail developments
• Experience delivering large-scale projects (200m+) with multidisciplinary teams
• Proven leadership in high-pressure, complex environments
• Credibility to act as Design Lead or Project Director on flagship projects
• Success in bids, client leadership and market-facing roles
• Strong understanding of rail architecture and complex environments
• Proficiency with BIM-based workflows; familiarity with computational/digital tools

• Senior stakeholder management
• Strategic influencing and relationship-building
• Mentorship and team development
• BIM-based workflows
• Computational design
• Digital twins

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