National Construction Management Lead

RailPros•Chicago, IL

3d•$180,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

The National Construction Management Lead will serve as a visionary leader responsible for driving the strategic development and execution of our Construction Management (CM) strategy, advancing national growth and expansion across Class I railroads, public transit agencies, and commuter rail networks. This role demands an exceptional leader with the proven ability to inspire, guide, and develop high-performing teams, while building and sustaining trusted client partnerships that strengthen our market presence and reputation.

Requirements

Extensive experience in Construction Management within the rail sector, with a proven record of delivering complex, large-scale projects for Class I railroads, commuter rail, and transit agencies
Strong business development skills, including demonstrated success in leveraging an established rail industry network to generate new opportunities and revenue growth.
Deep technical expertise in CM processes, including planning, inspection, design review, construction oversight, and quality assurance.
Exceptional leadership and team management abilities, with the capability to oversee senior managers and multi-disciplinary teams across the nation.
Advanced client engagement skills supported by emotional intelligence, credibility, and integrity; proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Strong strategic vision combined with operational execution capabilities, ensuring both long-term growth and day-to-day excellence.
High-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization at national industry forums and with executive-level clients.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to complexity, manage change, and foster innovation, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of rail-sector CM delivery.
Bachelor’s Degree in in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
15+ years of progressive experience in construction management, with at least 10 years in the rail sector (Class I railroads, commuter rail, and/or transit agencies)
Proven experience leading large, complex CM teams across multiple regions.
Demonstrated business development success, including securing new contracts and expanding market presence in the rail industry.
Strong record of delivering major construction programs (>$50M), with oversight of planning, inspection, design review, and construction delivery.
Extensive network of client relationships within Class I railroads and transit markets.
Experience managing financial performance and budgets, including P&L accountability.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Construction Management)
Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional certification.
Direct experience with federal, state, and local transportation agencies, including FRA, FTA, and DOT programs.
Experience in design-build or alternative project delivery methods within the rail/transit space.
Proven background in safety compliance, quality management, and risk mitigation on large-scale programs.
Bilingual: Spanish/English

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight of national CM operations, ensuring best-in-class delivery of planning, inspection, design review, and quality assurance services
Lead the expansion of CM services in the rail sector, with a focus on Class I railroads, commuter rail, and public transit agencies.
Drive business development initiatives by leveraging an extensive network of rail industry contacts to identify opportunities, secure contracts, and expand the company’s market footprint.
Oversee and mentor a geographically dispersed team of senior managers, Resident Engineers, and technical staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and performance excellence.
Build and maintain trusted, long-term client relationships, serving as a senior advisor and strategic partner to Class I railroads, transit authorities, and public agencies.
Champion a culture of safety, innovation, and service excellence, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.
Anticipate and adapt to evolving industry trends, technologies, and client needs, integrating lessons learned and best practices into organizational strategies and solutions.
Represent RailPros at conferences, client events and drive alignment between corporate growth objectives and client-focused project delivery