Rail Leader - Ireland

Shape the future of rail and sustainable mobility in Ireland

Arup is growing its Rail business in Ireland and helping to deliver some of the country's most significant transport infrastructure projects.

We are looking for an experienced Rail Leader to join our team in Ireland and help shape the future of rail, metro, and sustainable mobility infrastructure across the country.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the growth and delivery of major transport programmes while working with some of Ireland's most important rail and public transport clients. Building on Arup's long-standing reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects, you will help strengthen our position in the Irish rail market and contribute to the development of future transport networks that support economic growth and decarbonisation.

Working with clients and multidisciplinary teams in Ireland and internationally, you will play a key role in winning and delivering transformative rail projects while drawing on the expertise of Arup's global Rail network.

As a trusted advisor to clients, project teams and industry partners, you will help develop opportunities, lead major project delivery programmes and build high-performing teams that bring together specialists from across Arup's global business.

Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have guided how we shape a better world for over 80 years. With increasing investment in rail and public transport infrastructure across Ireland, our Rail business is entering an exciting period of growth supported by a strong pipeline of opportunities throughout the country.

Why Join Arup's Rail Team?

Rail investment is central to Ireland's sustainable transport ambitions, creating significant opportunities to modernise existing networks, expand rail capacity and support growing communities.

Arup has played a key role in delivering major infrastructure programmes in Ireland and globally, bringing together rail specialists, infrastructure engineers, planners, environmental consultants and project managers to solve complex transport challenges.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future direction of Arup's Rail business in Ireland while remaining closely involved in project delivery, client engagement and strategic growth initiatives.

Unlike purely business development positions, this is a true leadership role spanning clients, projects, people and strategy.

With opportunities available in Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway, you will help strengthen Arup's position in Ireland while collaborating with colleagues across Europe and our wider global Rail network.

The Opportunity

As Rail Business Leader, you will lead both the growth and delivery of Arup's Rail business in Ireland.

You will work closely with railway operators, transport authorities, government agencies, developers, contractors and design partners, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring successful project outcomes in technically challenging and operationally sensitive environments.

You could find yourself working on projects involving:

• National and regional rail infrastructure
• Rail network enhancements and capacity improvements
• Urban transit and sustainable mobility programmes
• Rail stations and transport interchanges
• Major multidisciplinary transport infrastructure projects
• Rail systems integration and delivery
• Strategic rail and transport planning initiatives
• Major infrastructure programmes delivered in live operational environments

As a Rail Business Leader at Arup, you will:

• Lead multidisciplinary rail and transport projects and programmes.
• Act as Project Director, Project Leader and/or Design Manager on complex assignments.
• Provide technical and commercial leadership on major rail projects across Ireland.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key rail clients and industry partners.
• Lead strategic pursuits, bidding activities and client engagement.
• Identify and develop new market opportunities and support business growth.
• Develop project delivery strategies and execution plans.
• Build, structure and lead high-performing project teams.
• Coordinate specialists across multiple disciplines, markets and geographies.
• Support the continued growth of Arup's Rail business and reputation in Ireland.
• Expand Arup's service offering across both design and consultancy services.
• Mentor and develop colleagues and future leaders.
• Promote excellence in project delivery, safety, quality and collaboration.

Does this role inspire you?

We are looking for an experienced rail professional who combines strong leadership skills with a deep understanding of rail project delivery, technical excellence and business growth.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience leading major infrastructure projects and teams.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish rail market and key stakeholders.
• Experience leading complex rail, transport or major infrastructure projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record as a Project Director, Project Leader, Design Manager, Programme Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience working with railway operators, transport authorities, public sector clients, developers, contractors or consultants.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure project delivery across planning, design and implementation phases.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client engagement and winning work.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build, motivate and lead diverse teams.
• Degree in Engineering or another discipline related to transport and infrastructure.
• Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken.

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds, including rail engineering, civil infrastructure, project delivery, programme management, systems engineering and transport planning.

How to apply for this vacancy

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your updated CV and a cover letter in English through our online application system.

Why Arup?

At Arup, we believe in rewarding our members for their contributions to our shared success. As a trust-owned company, we have the freedom to pursue meaningful work that aligns with our purpose and values. We also offer a unique profit share programme, allowing our members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We offer:

• The opportunity to lead and grow Arup's Rail business in Ireland.
• Access to Arup's global Rail network and technical excellence.
• The opportunity to work on some of the world's most significant rail and transport infrastructure projects.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Participation in Arup's global profit share programme.
• Career development opportunities across a truly global organisation.
• An inclusive and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are valued.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You'll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.

Do you want to join us in shaping a better world?