Program Management Director, Rail & Transit

AECOM•Chicago, CA

About The Position

The Program Director – Rail and Transit is the senior leader accountable for strategy, governance, delivery, and outcomes for large, complex rail and transit programs. The role provides executive leadership throughout the program lifecycle, from pursuit and mobilization through delivery, commissioning, and operational readiness. It establishes the vision and delivery framework for major rail infrastructure investments, aligning work with client objectives, rail regulations, public expectations, and organizational priorities. The Program Director oversees multidisciplinary teams across engineering, systems integration, construction, operations, commercial management, environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement. As the accountable executive for program performance, the role drives safety, operational reliability, digital innovation, and sustainable delivery while managing schedule, budget, quality, and long-term asset performance. The role also strengthens client relationships, supports strategic growth, and builds organizational capability in the rail sector. It supports leadership readiness and succession planning for strategic rail programs, enabling leadership continuity from bid through delivery and operational commencement. The initial work location may be flexible; relocation to a major rail program location may be required following program award. Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location.

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.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as PgMP, PMP, APM RPP, CCM, or equivalent.
Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or equivalent professional registration.
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.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for major rail and transit programs, ensuring client, regulatory, operational, and business objectives are achieved.
Establish and maintain an integrated program management framework spanning engineering, construction, systems, testing and commissioning, and operational readiness.
Define delivery strategies, governance structures, and performance objectives for successful program outcomes and long-term network benefits.
Lead program mobilization and establish the organization, systems, resources, and leadership structures required for execution.
Oversee integration across rail disciplines, including track, signaling, communications, traction power, overhead catenary systems, stations, depots, rolling stock interfaces, and operational systems.
Manage systems integration and interfaces among contractors, suppliers, operators, maintainers, and government stakeholders.
Lead testing, commissioning, operational readiness, and handover activities to support safe railway operations.
Guide asset management, maintainability, reliability, and operational performance requirements throughout delivery.
Serve as senior safety leader, promoting safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with rail regulations, industry standards, safety certification processes, and client governance expectations.
Oversee program-wide risk management, assurance, environmental stewardship, and quality programs.
Support safety approvals, regulatory certifications, operational permits, and authorization processes required to commence service.
Build and maintain 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 align diverse interests while protecting program objectives.
Provide executive oversight of commercial strategy, contract administration, claims resolution, procurement, and supplier performance.
Manage program budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and financial performance.
Direct commercial negotiations and strategic decisions concerning major contracts, partnerships, and delivery arrangements.
Monitor performance and implement corrective actions to manage cost, schedule, risk, and opportunity.
Champion innovation, digital delivery, BIM, digital engineering, data analytics, and emerging rail technologies.
Drive continuous improvement to enhance program performance, efficiency, and client value.
Mentor and develop senior program leaders and support succession planning and workforce capability growth in the rail sector.
Contribute to pursuit strategies, bid development, and market growth across rail and transit portfolios.