Senior Rail Business Development and Project Leader

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup in the Americas continues to capture and deliver large scale, complex, and multidisciplinary rail projects. Our rail team has experienced significant growth due to the strength of the rail market across North America.

About the role

Arup is seeking a Senior Rail Business Development and Project Leader to lead and grow our relationship with New York and New Jersey rail and transit clients and support the expansion of Arup’s rail and transit project portfolio across the New York/New Jersey region. This senior role combines client leadership, strategic growth planning, and selective project engagement, working closely with technical, regional, and global leadership. The role is suited to a senior professional with deep knowledge of the New York/New Jersey transit and rail environment, strong industry relationships, and a collaborative, long-term approach to client partnership.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior client leader, developing and sustaining trusted relationships across New Jersey and New York transit and rail agencies.
• Shape and implement focused growth strategies aligned with Arup’s rail business objectives and the agency’s capital and operational priorities.
• Identify, develop, and pursue strategic opportunities and major programs, including multidisciplinary and alternative-delivery pursuits.
• Lead or support capture planning, win strategies, and pursuit positioning, working closely with technical leaders and marketing teams.
• Provide senior input to proposals, interviews, and commercial discussions, including scope and fee strategy.
• Serve as a key interface between the client and Arup’s project teams, helping align client needs with Arup’s technical and digital capabilities.
• Serve in a Senior Director or Technical Advisor capacity on selective projects that align with directly relevant experience or expertise.
• Represent Arup in industry forums, conferences, and professional organizations relevant to the New York/New Jersey transit market.
• Collaborate with regional and global rail leaders to ensure consistent messaging, knowledge sharing, and coordinated delivery for rail and transit related work.
• Support talent development and mentoring, contributing to a strong, inclusive culture within Arup’s New York/New Jersey rail practice.

Requirements

• Extensive experience working within the New York/New Jersey transit and rail market including a strong understanding of rail and transit agency governance, procurement, and capital delivery.
• Deep knowledge of the New York/New Jersey transit and rail market, with emphasis on NY MTA, NJ Transit and/or Amtrak.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining executive-level relationships with public-sector clients.
• Strong understanding of rail and transit capital programs, including planning, design, construction, and operations interfaces.
• Ability to think strategically while also engaging practically in pursuits, client discussions, and project oversight.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• A background in engineering, planning, architecture, or related discipline; professional licensure is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive, fair, and equitable pay with a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance).
• Comprehensive benefits program including health and welfare security, and paid time off for rest and renewal.
• 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match.
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for alternative schedules and remote work.

Pay

New York Hiring Range – The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in New York is $200,000 to $240,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of New York will differ.