VP, Program Management, Rail
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s 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.
Nice To Haves
- Professional certification (PgMP, MSP, APM RPP, CCM, or equivalent) preferred.
- Chartered or professionally licensed status (e.g., CEng, RPEQ, PE) desirable depending on jurisdiction.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Program Leadership & Strategy
- Governance & Assurance
- Integrated Delivery Oversight
- Stakeholder & Client Leadership
- Safety, Risk & Quality Leadership
- Commercial & Financial Stewardship
- Innovation, Digital & Continuous Improvement
- Leadership & Capability Development
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, 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
