Program Management Director, Rail & Transit

The Program Director Rail and Transit is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategy governance delivery and successful outcomes of large complex rail and transit programs. The role provides executive leadership across all phases of the program lifecycle from pursuit and mobilization through delivery commissioning and operational readiness.

The Program Director establishes the vision and delivery framework for major rail infrastructure investments ensuring alignment with client objectives rail industry regulations public expectations and organizational priorities. The role oversees multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering systems integration construction operations commercial management environmental compliance and stakeholder engagement.

As the accountable executive for program performance the Program Director drives safety excellence operational reliability digital innovation and sustainable delivery while maintaining focus on schedule budget quality and long-term asset performance. The role also serves as a key industry leader strengthening client relationships supporting strategic growth initiatives and enhancing organizational capability within the rail sector.

The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for major rail pursuits and support succession planning across strategic rail programs ensuring experienced leadership is available to transition seamlessly from bid through delivery and operational commencement.

Due to the nature of the role initial work location may be flexible; however relocation to a major rail program location may be required following program award.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for major rail and transit programs ensuring successful achievement of client regulatory operational and business objectives.
• Establish and maintain an integrated program management framework covering engineering construction systems testing and commissioning and operational readiness.
• Define delivery strategies governance structures and performance objectives that support successful program outcomes and long-term network benefits.
• Lead program mobilization activities ensuring the organization systems resources and leadership structures are in place for successful execution.

Rail Systems & Operations Integration

• Oversee integration across all rail disciplines including track signaling communications traction power overhead catenary systems stations depots rolling stock interfaces and operational systems.
• Ensure effective systems integration and interface management across contractors suppliers operators maintainers and government stakeholders.
• Provide leadership during testing commissioning operational readiness and handover activities to achieve safe and successful railway operations.
• Guide implementation of asset management maintainability reliability and operational performance requirements throughout delivery.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the senior safety leader for the program promoting a culture of safety accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all rail regulatory requirements industry standards safety certification processes and client governance expectations.
• Oversee program-wide risk management assurance environmental stewardship and quality programs.
• Support achievement of safety approvals regulatory certifications operational permits and authorization processes required for service commencement.

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client executives rail operators government agencies regulators funding bodies and community stakeholders.
• Represent the program at executive steering committees governance boards industry forums and public stakeholder engagements.
• Resolve complex stakeholder issues and drive alignment across diverse interests while protecting program objectives.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Provide executive oversight of program commercial strategy contract administration claims resolution procurement and supplier performance.
• Ensure effective management of program budgets forecasts contingencies and financial performance.
• Direct commercial negotiations and strategic decision-making related to major contracts partnerships and delivery arrangements.
• Monitor program performance and implement corrective actions to manage cost schedule risk and opportunity.

Innovation & Capability Development

• Champion innovation digital delivery BIM digital engineering data analytics and emerging rail technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program performance efficiency and client value.
• Mentor and develop senior program leaders supporting succession planning and workforce capability growth within the rail sector.
• Contribute to pursuit strategies bid development and market growth initiatives across rail and transit portfolios.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Construction Management Program Management Transportation Business or a related field.
• Typically 20 years of experience in infrastructure delivery including significant leadership experience on major rail transit or transportation programs.
• Demonstrated success leading complex multi-billion-dollar rail infrastructure programs involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Deep understanding of rail systems infrastructure delivery models regulatory environments and operational requirements.
• Professional certification such as PgMP PMP APM RPP CCM or equivalent preferred.
• Chartered Engineer Professional Engineer or equivalent professional registration preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Executive leadership of major passenger rail high-speed rail metro light rail commuter rail freight rail or transit programs.
• Experience delivering programs involving significant rail systems integration testing and commissioning and operational readiness.
• Successful engagement with rail regulators operators infrastructure managers and government agencies.
• Experience managing complex PPP Design-Build Alliance EPC Progressive Design-Build or integrated delivery contracts.
• Strong track record leading geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary delivery organizations.
• Industry recognition through leadership positions thought leadership professional associations or major project awards.

Additional Information :

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At AECOM we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time