VP, Program Management, Rail

The Rail Program Director is the senior executive leader accountable for the overall strategy direction and successful delivery of a major Light Rail Transit program of high complexity public visibility and strategic importance. The role establishes the vision and delivery environment for the program ensuring outcomes are achieved in alignment with client objectives statutory approvals regulatory obligations and wider transport network integration goals.

This role provides executive-level leadership across all technical commercial operational and stakeholder domains of the LRT program ensuring safe compliant and integrated delivery across planning design construction systems testing and commissioning phases. The Program Director champions excellence in safety leadership assurance and governance while driving innovation digital delivery and continuous improvement. The role also plays a pivotal part in developing capability strengthening market position and enhancing long-term value for communities and transport authorities.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the LRT program ensuring alignment with client objectives transport strategies funding agreements and regulatory frameworks.
• Define and communicate a clear vision for successful program delivery balancing safety performance cost schedule quality and public outcomes.
• Shape the overall delivery strategy including packaging contracting models alliances PPPs or design-and-construct approaches as appropriate.

Governance & Assurance:

• Establish and maintain a robust program governance framework enabling effective senior decision-making assurance escalation and performance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with rail safety legislation independent safety assessor (ISA) requirements systems assurance frameworks and operator requirements.
• Lead program-wide assurance readiness and gateway processes across design construction testing commissioning and operational handover.

Integrated Delivery Oversight:

• Direct and oversee senior delivery leaders across civil infrastructure rail systems rolling stock utilities stations depots operations readiness and integration.
• Ensure coordination and interface management between civil works systems third parties operators maintainers and government stakeholders.
• Maintain accountability for end-to-end integration including network interfaces interfaces with existing rail or road networks and urban environments.

Stakeholder & Client Leadership:

• Act as the primary executive interface with transport authorities government agencies operators regulators local councils and funding bodies.
• Lead complex stakeholder environments involving public political community and media sensitivities with credibility and authority.
• Represent the program and organization at executive forums steering committees and industry engagements.

Safety Risk & Quality Leadership:

• Hold senior accountability for safety leadership across the program fostering a strong safety culture aligned with rail regulatory expectations.
• Oversee program-wide risk management environmental stewardship and quality systems ensuring risks are proactively identified and managed.
• Champion health safety and wellbeing outcomes for workforce passengers and communities.

Commercial & Financial Stewardship:

• Provide executive oversight of commercial strategy contract administration claims management and supplier relationships.
• Maintain accountability for program financial performance funding compliance and value-for-money outcomes.
• Guide strategies for contingency change control and commercial risk mitigation.

Innovation Digital & Continuous Improvement:

• Champion digital engineering BIM systems engineering and data-driven delivery to enhance integration assurance and efficiency.
• Drive innovation in delivery models construction methodologies and rail systems integration.
• Foster a culture of learning continuous improvement and performance excellence.

Leadership & Capability Development:

• Build lead and mentor a high-performing senior leadership team across all program disciplines.
• Develop leadership capability succession planning and rail program management maturity within the organization.
• Contribute to broader rail market growth capability building and thought leadership.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in engineering project management construction management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 15 years experience including senior leadership roles on major rail or transport infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex multidisciplinary teams in regulated rail environments.
• Strong understanding of rail systems assurance safety certification and operational readiness.
• Professional certification (PgMP MSP APM RPP CCM or equivalent) preferred.
• Chartered or professionally licensed status (e.g. CEng RPEQ PE) desirable depending on jurisdiction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership of major LRT metro or rail programs with significant public profile and stakeholder complexity.
• Experience delivering through alliance PPP or multi-contract program models.
• Strong background in rail systems integration testing & commissioning and safety assurance.
• Proven capability in managing regulator operator and independent assurance relationships.
• Experience driving organizational rail capability uplift and digital or systems-based delivery approaches.
• Recognized contribution to the rail industry through leadership governance roles or professional associations.

Additional Information :

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 :

Yes

Employment Type :

Full-time