Project Director – PMCM Rail (Ireland)

WSP; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Flexible working arrangements

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in Ireland seeks a Project Director to lead major rail programmes and shape regional strategy. You will grow the Ireland PMCM Rail footprint, manage key client relationships including Irish Rail, NTA and TII, and guide delivery across complex projects.

The role requires senior leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and a strategic, collaborative mindset to drive innovation and excellence in delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, construction, management or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership or working toward it.
• Proven experience leading major rail or infrastructure projects.
• Experience engaging with rail organisations (Irish Rail, NTA, TII, Network Rail or similar).
• Strong understanding of the Ireland transport or rail market is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership, commercial acumen and senior-level stakeholder engagement.
• Experience delivering NEC3/4 projects in a client-facing environment.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams and establish trusted client relationships.
• Strategic thinker with curiosity, adaptability and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver major rail programmes across Ireland.
• Develop and manage client relationships with Irish rail clients.
• Translate client objectives into delivery strategies.
• Support pipeline development and regional positioning.
• Represent WSP at client engagements, events and sector forums in Ireland.
• Lead governance, controls and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure safety, on-time delivery, within budget and high quality.
• Mentor and develop project teams in the region.
• Act as principal contact for Irish clients across all stages.
• Drive innovation in project delivery and digital tools.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Team Development

Education

Degree in engineering, construction, management

Chartered membership in a recognised body

Tools

NEC3/4

Job description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

At WSP, you will join a global organisation delivering transformative infrastructure programmes across Ireland, the UK, and internationally. You will work alongside industry-leading experts and support the expansion of our PMCM Rail offering in Ireland, helping us build strong client relationships and establish WSP as a trusted project delivery partner.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the growth of our Ireland Rail business, working closely with key clients such as Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail, the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and regional local authorities.

As a Project Director within WSP’s PMCM Rail team, you will lead the delivery of major rail programmes across Ireland, while also helping shape our regional strategy, expand our client base, and cement our position as a long‑term advisor within the Irish market.

Your Team

You will join a diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers delivering major programmes across the Rail sector. Our passion is creating and shaping the built environment through best‑in‑class project delivery. As part of our Ireland‑focused growth, you will play a leading role in developing our presence, driving client relationships, and building capability on the ground in Southern Ireland.

A Little More About Your Role…

Market Growth & Client Leadership (Ireland Focus)

• Lead and support the expansion of WSP’s PMCM Rail footprint across Southern Ireland.
• Establish strong, trusted relationships with key Irish rail clients.
• Act as a client advisor, understanding client objectives and translating them into successful delivery strategies.
• Support pipeline development, regional positioning and strategic bids within the Ireland rail market.
• Represent WSP at client engagements, industry events, and sector forums across Ireland.
• Lead the delivery of large complex rail projects or a portfolio of smaller rail programmes across Ireland.
• Implement robust governance, controls and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, on time, to budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Manage and develop suppliers to meet complex and dynamic programme requirements.
• Mentor and develop project teams to build capability within the region.
• Act as the principal point of contact for Irish clients across all stages of programme delivery.
• Build long‑term relationships through trusted advisory, strategic engagement, and proactive communication.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage effectively with external stakeholders including the NTA, TII, local authorities, statutory bodies and community representatives.
• Understand Ireland’s regulatory environment and manage expectations and approvals processes.
• Manage NEC3/4 and Irish public‑sector frameworks in line with contract requirements.
• Ensure financial performance, cost control and resource utilisation align with programme objectives.
• Identify and mitigate key programme risks effectively.

Safety & Compliance

• Lead and champion safety performance and compliance with CDM regulations and Irish safety standards.
• Ensure environmentally responsible delivery aligned with WSP’s sustainability commitments.
• Lead programme governance, project controls, resource planning and delivery monitoring.
• Oversee performance against strategic objectives and intervene as required.
• Drive innovation across project delivery, digital tools and programme methodologies.
• Promote continuous improvement, operational excellence and efficiency across the Ireland portfolio.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Degree in engineering, construction, management or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of a recognised professional body (or working toward it).
• Proven experience leading major rail or infrastructure projects.
• Experience engaging with rail organisations (Irish Rail, NTA, TII, Network Rail or similar).
• A strong understanding of the Ireland transport or rail market is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership, commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement at senior level.
• Experience delivering NEC3/4 projects in a client‑facing environment.
• Ability to build and lead high‑performing teams and establish trusted client relationships.
• Strategic thinker with curiosity, adaptability and a collaborative mindset.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.