Senior Rail Program Manager – Hybrid, Client‑Facing Leader

AECOM; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Senior Rail Project Manager to lead client-facing delivery within our South Rail Systems Alliance portfolio, based in Swindon with travel to Cardiff and Bristol. You will oversee end-to-end delivery of complex rail systems with growing civils integration, ensuring safety, cost targets, and schedules are met.

The role requires proven experience in rail projects, strong governance, and excellent stakeholder management to grow the Burns programme and wider SRSA portfolio.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex rail projects as a Project Manager or Senior PM, with strong client-facing leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in rail systems delivery with evidence of managing civils interfaces or multidisciplinary programmes.
• Strong command of programme controls, governance, and reporting (schedule, cost, risk, change, and performance metrics).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate in co-located, multi-organisation environments.
• Ability to travel regularly between Swindon, Cardiff, and Bristol, and to attend mandatory in-person meetings (DCIs, IDC/R).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex rail systems projects, with growing civils integration, ensuring outcomes meet client requirements, safety standards, cost targets, and schedule commitments.
• Serve as a trusted, client-facing partner to build confidence, support co-located working in Cardiff for Burns Station, and enable future pipeline growth.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams (rail systems, civils, project controls, and EC) across locations to drive consistent performance and governance.
• Act as the primary client interface, building strong relationships and trust through proactive communication and visible leadership.
• Own integrated programme plans across rail systems and emerging civils scopes; manage baselines, risks, issues, and change.

Skills

Rail systems delivery

Client-facing leadership

Programme controls & governance

Communication & stakeholder management

Travel between Swindon/Cardiff/Bristol

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Rail Project Manager to lead client-facing delivery within our South Rail Systems Alliance portfolio, based in Swindon with travel to Cardiff and Bristol. You will oversee end-to-end delivery of complex rail systems with growing civils integration, ensuring safety, cost targets, and schedules are met.

The role requires proven experience in rail projects, strong governance, and excellent stakeholder management to grow the Burns programme and wider SRSA portfolio.