Senior Rail Business Development and Project Leader

Arup; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Arup seeks a Senior Rail Business Development and Project Leader to drive growth in the New York and New Jersey rail and transit market. You will lead executive-level client relationships, shape strategic opportunities, and guide multipartite project pursuits across regional teams.

The role combines business development, client leadership, and collaboration with regional and global leadership to expand Arup’s rail portfolio and ensure delivery excellence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in NY/NJ transit and rail governance, procurement, and capital delivery.
• Deep knowledge of NY MTA, NJ Transit and/or Amtrak.
• Proven track record of executive-level client engagement.
• Understanding of rail/transit capital programs across planning/design/construction/operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior client leader, maintaining relationships with NJ/NY transit and rail agencies.
• Shape and implement growth strategies aligned with Arup’s rail objectives.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities and programs, including multidisciplinary pursuits.
• Lead capture planning, win strategies, and pursuit positioning with technical leaders and marketing.
• Contribute senior input to proposals, interviews, and commercial discussions.

Skills

New York/NJ transit & rail market

Executive relationship building

Strategic growth planning

Proposal & capture planning

Strong communication & influencing

Engineering/planning background

Education

Engineering, planning, architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

The Opportunity

Arup is seeking a Senior Rail Business Development and Project Leader to lead and grow our relationship with New York and New Jersey rail and transit clients and support the expansion of Arup’s rail and transit project portfolio across the New York/New Jersey region. This senior role combines client leadership, strategic growth planning, and selective project engagement, working closely with technical, regional, and global leadership.

The role is suited to a senior professional with deep knowledge of the New York/New Jersey transit and rail environment, strong industry relationships, and a collaborative, long‑term approach to client partnership.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior client leader, developing and sustaining trusted relationships across New Jersey and New York transit and rail agencies.
• Shape and implement focused growth strategies aligned with Arup’s rail business objectives and the agency’s capital and operational priorities.
• Identify, develop, and pursue strategic opportunities and major programs, including multidisciplinary and alternative‑delivery pursuits.
• Lead or support capture planning, win strategies, and pursuit positioning, working closely with technical leaders and marketing teams.
• Provide senior input to proposals, interviews, and commercial discussions, including scope and fee strategy.
• Serve as a key interface between the client and Arup’s project teams, helping align client needs with Arup’s technical and digital capabilities.
• Serve in a Senior Director or Technical Advisor capacity on selective projects that align with directly relevant experience or expertise.
• Represent Arup in industry forums, conferences, and professional organizations relevant to the New York/New Jersey transit market.
• Collaborate with regional and global rail leaders to ensure consistent messaging, knowledge sharing, and coordinated delivery for rail and transit related work.
• Support talent development and mentoring, contributing to a strong, inclusive culture within Arup’s New York/New Jersey rail practice.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience working within the New York/New Jersey transit and rail market including a strong understanding of rail and transit agency governance, procurement, and capital delivery.
• Deep knowledge of the New York/New Jersey transit and rail market, with emphasis on NY MTA, NJ Transit and/or Amtrak.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining executive‑level relationships with public‑sector clients.
• Strong understanding of rail and transit capital programs, including planning, design, construction, and operations interfaces.
• Ability to think strategically while also engaging practically in pursuits, client discussions, and project oversight.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship‑building skills.
• A background in engineering, planning, architecture, or related discipline; professional licensure is desirable.

Benefits

At Arup we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each member. In addition to competitive and equitable pay, benefits include health and wellbeing support, a wide range of learning opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible impact through the work you do. We offer a global profit share scheme and a 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match.

Flexible Working

Flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working, supporting diversity and wellbeing. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside the office for a portion of the workweek are available.

New York Hiring Range

The good faith base salary hiring range for this position performed in New York is $200,000 to $230,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level; benefits are not included in the base salary.

Equal Opportunity

Arup is an equal‑opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or family status. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

Legal Disclaimer

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability.