Program Management Director, Rail & Transit

At AECOM, we understand that large programs require the management, coordination and integration of multiple, concurrent projects. By connecting our expertise across services, markets, and geographies, we manage outcome-driven projects that deliver social, economic and environmental value. These include programs of critical national importance in defense, transportation, water, clean energy, environmental clean-up, international development and disaster recovery, as well as the shaping of many of the world’s major cities. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM, with accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide and our services in great demand.

About the role

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.

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.

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's 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.

Pay

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, and experience. The range for this position is $250,000 to $340,000.

Benefits

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, and disability benefits
• Paid time off, leaves of absence, and voluntary benefits
• Perks, flexible work options, and well-being resources
• Employee assistance program and business travel insurance
• Service recognition awards
• Retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan