Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager Highways

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager Highways

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Civil Infrastructure / Transportation Project Management & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and project management lifecycle for complex civil infrastructure and highway projects, ensuring successful delivery from concept to completion.

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and ensure high-quality engineering solutions.

• Oversee design quality, budget adherence, and resource optimization, implementing robust risk mitigation strategies and project documentation standards.

• Serve as a key liaison between internal teams, external stakeholders, and potentially other AECOM offices, facilitating clear communication and alignment on project objectives.

• Drive the adoption and adherence to AECOM's project delivery procedures and quality principles within the design and project management functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid Project Manager/Design Manager position specifically focused on highway infrastructure within a global consultancy. The emphasis is on leadership, technical design oversight, and project execution within a structured organizational framework. The requirement for coordination with other EC offices suggests a potential for managing or contributing to international or multi-site projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project and Design Leadership:

  • Spearhead the comprehensive design process for civil infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on highway development, from initial planning and conceptualization through to execution and final project closure.
  • Provide strategic direction and technical oversight to ensure all design deliverables meet stringent quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

• Multidisciplinary Team Management:

  • Lead, manage, and inspire diverse design teams, including civil engineers, structural engineers, traffic engineers, environmental specialists, and others, fostering a high-performance and collaborative work culture.
  • Coordinate effectively with various AECOM Engineering Centers (EC) offices for complex multidisciplinary and/or multicenter projects, ensuring seamless integration and communication across different locations.

• Design Process Oversight and Quality Assurance:

  • Direct and manage all stages of the design process, from preliminary studies and concept development to final detailed design and construction documentation, ensuring strict adherence to project timelines and technical specifications.
  • Proactively monitor design progress through regular review meetings, identifying potential design risks, and developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project objectives.
  • Uphold and enforce AECOM's rigorous quality principles, applicable industry regulations, and specific client requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

• Budgetary and Resource Management:

  • Develop, manage, and control design project budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and identifying opportunities for resource optimization and potential cost savings.
  • Strategically allocate design resources across projects to maximize efficiency, productivity, and overall project success.

• Project Documentation and Reporting:

  • Ensure the creation and maintenance of comprehensive, accurate, and organized project documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle, including design reports, technical specifications, and meeting minutes.

  • Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and timely project reports to internal management and external stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and transparent communication.

  • Champion and implement AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and established standards across all managed projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both the technical design management and the broader project management aspects of highway infrastructure. The emphasis on coordinating with other EC offices is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for strong cross-cultural and remote team management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil infrastructure project management and/or design management.

• Proven track record in managing complex highway design and construction projects.

• Experience within the USA and Canada markets will be considered a significant advantage, indicating a potential for international project involvement or knowledge transfer. Required Skills:

• Project Management Expertise: Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively, utilizing project management methodologies.

• Design Management Proficiency: Strong understanding of the highway design process, including conceptualization, detailed design, and construction documentation.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Technical Acumen in Highways: In-depth knowledge of highway engineering principles, standards, and best practices.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement, reporting, and team coordination.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical and project-related issues.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consultancy environment.

• Quality Assurance & Risk Management: Experience in implementing quality control measures and developing proactive risk mitigation strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable, indicating a formal accreditation in project management best practices.

• International Project Experience: Experience working on projects in diverse geographical or regulatory environments.

• Familiarity with AECOM Systems: Understanding of AECOM's internal project management tools, procedures, and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience and the specific mention of USA/Canada experience suggest this role may involve projects with international clients or standards, or provide opportunities for cross-border collaboration. PMP certification is a strong plus, aligning with typical senior project management roles in large consultancies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of highway infrastructure projects successfully managed from initiation to closure, detailing scope, budget, schedule, and team size.

• Design Leadership Examples: Present instances where you led multidisciplinary teams through complex design challenges, highlighting problem-solving approaches and design innovation.

• Risk Mitigation Documentation: Provide evidence of how you have identified and mitigated project risks, particularly in the design and planning phases of infrastructure projects.

• Budget Management Evidence: Include examples demonstrating your ability to manage project budgets effectively, showing cost control measures and resource optimization strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and refining engineering and project management workflows for highway projects, emphasizing efficiency and quality.

• Implementation and Automation: Showcase instances where you have implemented new processes, tools, or automation to enhance design delivery or project management effectiveness.

• Performance Measurement: Illustrate how you have tracked and reported on key performance indicators (KPIs) for design and project delivery, using data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project/Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, and quantifiable results. Focus on projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of the highway design lifecycle, effective team coordination, and successful project outcomes, particularly in terms of budget and schedule adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Civil Infrastructure Project/Design Managers in Madrid, Spain, with 10+ years of experience and specialized highway expertise, the estimated annual salary range is likely between €65,000 and €95,000 gross. This estimate considers the cost of living in Madrid, the seniority of the role, and the typical compensation structures in large engineering consultancies for such specialized positions. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life and Disability: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, along with long-term and short-term disability benefits.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences.

• Voluntary Benefits: Access to a range of optional benefits to suit individual needs.

• Flexible Work Options: Hybrid work model allowing for a blend of office and remote work.

• Well-being Resources: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other well-being support initiatives.

• Financial & Retirement: Retirement savings plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), offering long-term financial growth opportunities.

• Additional Perks: Business travel insurance and service recognition awards.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement. Expected working hours will align with local Spanish business practices and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in Madrid, Spain, and AECOM's typical compensation practices for senior technical positions. Actual compensation will be determined by factors including specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, Transportation Sector. AECOM is a global leader in delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive global reach.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back over 90 years, signifying stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is part of the Civil Infrastructure division, likely within the Transportation Business Line (PCC) and operating group (Group Support), specifically within AECOM SPAIN DCS S.L.U. The team is expected to be multidisciplinary, supporting a range of transportation projects.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior management within the Spanish operations, potentially a Director of Transportation or similar, and manages a team of design engineers and specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration with other AECOM business lines (e.g., Water, Environment), regional offices (potentially other EC offices as mentioned), and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and analytics for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Integrated Project Delivery: Focus on collaborative approaches that integrate planning, design, and construction phases for optimal project outcomes.

• Innovation and Technology: Commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions to enhance design capabilities and project delivery efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and scale mean that roles often involve working with diverse teams and adhering to established corporate processes. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan reflects a mission-driven culture focused on impactful infrastructure development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level role, bridging experienced project management and specialized design leadership within the civil infrastructure and transportation sector. It's a key contributor role, focusing on execution excellence and team development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior leadership within AECOM Spain, likely a Business Line Director or similar, and directly manages a team of engineers and designers. This structure allows for both strategic input and hands-on team leadership.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on AECOM's ability to secure and successfully deliver high-profile highway infrastructure projects in Spain and potentially beyond. Effective project and design management leads to client satisfaction, repeat business, and profitable growth for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into broader regional management roles, oversee larger project portfolios, or specialize in specific areas of transportation infrastructure.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced highway design techniques, sustainable infrastructure, or emerging transportation technologies.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Possibility to move into roles within AECOM's other business lines or global project management initiatives.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's extensive training and development programs, including leadership and technical skill enhancement, and support for maintaining PMP certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global footprint and commitment to employee development suggest strong potential for career progression for individuals who demonstrate technical excellence, strong leadership, and a commitment to the company's values.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work from the AECOM office in Madrid (C/Alfonso XII) for a portion of the week, facilitating in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to office resources. The remaining time can be worked remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Madrid, Spain, specifically at C/Alfonso XII. This central location likely offers good accessibility for commuting professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to balance individual focus time with team collaboration, encouraging interaction through in-office days for meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to AECOM's standard suite of engineering design software, project management tools, and digital collaboration platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with immediate team members, project stakeholders, and senior management during office-based workdays.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work schedule is in place, requiring a minimum number of days in the office per week (specifics to be confirmed by the hiring team). This schedule allows for flexibility while ensuring team cohesion and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role indicates a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for complex project management and design coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will review applications to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview: A hiring manager or senior technical lead will conduct an interview focusing on your experience in highway design, project management methodologies, team leadership, and technical problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your resume.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work. This may involve a dedicated session where you walk through 1-2 key projects, highlighting your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members or other stakeholders to assess cultural alignment, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm overall fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in both design management and project execution for highway infrastructure.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges overcome, the methodologies used (e.g., risk management, stakeholder engagement), and the quantifiable results (e.g., on-time delivery, within-budget completion, significant design improvements, safety enhancements).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating efforts, and making critical decisions.

• Process Focus: Be ready to discuss the design and project management processes you followed, including any optimizations or innovative approaches you implemented.

• Conciseness: Aim for clear, concise presentations. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a potential case study or scenario-based question where you might be asked to outline how you would approach a specific highway design or project management challenge.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your thought process for solving complex technical or logistical problems common in infrastructure projects.

• AECOM Procedures: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's general approach to project delivery and quality management, if publicly available, to align your responses with their standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just experience, but the ability to articulate their impact and leadership through concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D) and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools is highly beneficial for understanding design processes and coordinating with design teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for virtual collaboration, document sharing, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, financial reports, and design metrics. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing project dashboards for tracking KPIs and communicating project status to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM systems integrate with project pipelines and client management can be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of opportunities to automate repetitive tasks within project management or design coordination processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong candidate will have experience with common engineering design platforms and project management software typical in large-scale infrastructure consultancies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all project dealings and client interactions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together towards common goals.

• Innovation and Excellence: Driving continuous improvement and seeking innovative solutions to deliver exceptional project outcomes.

• Sustainability and Resilience: Commitment to developing infrastructure that is environmentally responsible and built to last.

• Safety First: Prioritizing the health and safety of employees, communities, and end-users in all project phases.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and seamless collaboration between design disciplines, project management, and other AECOM business lines.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions that exceed expectations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across teams and offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize a commitment to ethical conduct, collaborative innovation, and sustainable development, which are crucial for long-term success in the infrastructure sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Complexity: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines and ensuring technical coherence across a large highway project.

• Navigating International Standards: Adapting to and potentially integrating different design codes, regulations, and client expectations if involved in projects with diverse geographical origins (e.g., USA/Canada experience).

• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling multiple project priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder requirements in a fast-paced consultancy environment.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing new technologies or design methodologies within a traditional engineering framework.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to hone skills in complex project controls, risk management, and contract administration.

• Technical Specialization: Access to training and project experience in areas like intelligent transport systems (ITS), sustainable highway design, or advanced traffic modeling.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers robust programs to develop leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and executive presence.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on international projects or collaborate with global experts, broadening professional horizons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure firms, offering significant opportunities for professional growth through problem-solving and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex highway design project you managed. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you lead your team to overcome them?" (Focus on your design leadership, problem-solving, and team coordination.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing project budgets and resources for large-scale infrastructure projects. Provide an example where you successfully optimized costs or resources." (Highlight financial acumen and efficiency.)

• "How do you ensure quality and mitigate risks throughout the design and project lifecycle of a highway project?" (Emphasize your understanding of QA/QC processes and risk management methodologies.)

• "Describe your experience coordinating with multiple EC offices or international teams. What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication and collaboration?" (Prepare to discuss your experience with remote/multidisciplinary team management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role within our Transportation division?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and market position.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Align your response with AECOM's emphasis on teamwork and innovation.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in highway design and civil infrastructure?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the tangible outcomes.

• Visuals: If possible, use visual aids (e.g., project summaries, diagrams, key metrics) to support your presentation.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify achievements wherever possible – e.g., "reduced design time by 15%", "managed a budget of €X million," "successfully navigated Y regulatory hurdles."

• PMP Alignment: If you have PMP certification, subtly weave in references to project management principles you applied.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail, demonstrating not just what you did, but how you did it and the impact of your actions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Infrastructure Project/Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in civil infrastructure, specifically focusing on highway design and project management. Use keywords from the job description such as "Project Management," "Design Management," "Highways," "Civil Infrastructure," and "Multidisciplinary Teams." Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key highway infrastructure projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, and project delivery success. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global presence, its work in the transportation sector, recent projects in Spain or Europe, and its company values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common project management and design leadership questions, focusing on your experience with highway projects and your ability to manage teams and budgets. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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