Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager Rail

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Project Management / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-04T10:02:03.638

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for critical civil infrastructure projects, with a specialized focus on the Rail sector, ensuring successful project delivery from conception through to completion.

• Orchestrate and empower multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and efficiency in delivering complex infrastructure solutions.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, meticulously managing timelines, budgets, and resource allocation while upholding stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance.

• Act as a key liaison, preparing and delivering comprehensive project reports to internal stakeholders and clients, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities (EC) division, which functions as a global workshare and technical expertise hub. This implies significant cross-office and potentially cross-border collaboration, requiring strong coordination skills and adaptability to diverse project methodologies. The emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" and "digital adoption" suggests a need for candidates comfortable with remote collaboration tools and global project delivery standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the detailed design process for civil infrastructure projects, with a primary emphasis on Rail systems, guiding projects from initial planning and conceptualization to final execution and closure.

• Manage and mentor diverse design teams, cultivating a collaborative and high-performance culture that encourages efficient workflow and innovative problem-solving.

• Coordinate seamlessly with various Enterprise Capabilities (EC) offices to ensure effective execution of Multidisciplinary and/or Multicentre projects, maintaining consistent standards and communication.

• Directly oversee all design stages, from conceptual development through to final delivery, rigorously ensuring adherence to project timelines, technical specifications, and client requirements.

• Conduct regular design review meetings to monitor progress, assess quality, identify potential design risks, and implement proactive mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

• Uphold and enforce AECOM's stringent quality principles, industry regulations, and client specifications throughout the design process, ensuring the delivery of superior infrastructure solutions.

• Manage design budgets meticulously, focusing on cost-effective resource utilization and identifying opportunities for financial optimization and savings.

• Optimize the allocation of design resources across projects to maximize team efficiency, project throughput, and overall success metrics.

• Maintain comprehensive and accurate project documentation, ensuring all project lifecycle records are up-to-date and readily accessible for audits and future reference.

• Prepare and deliver regular, insightful project reports to internal management and external stakeholders, providing critical data for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

• Ensure full adaptation and adherence to AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and established standards, maintaining consistency in project execution and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role of Project Management (PM) and Design Management (DM), with a strong emphasis on the technical leadership of the design process within the Rail sector. The requirement to coordinate with EC offices across multiple countries indicates a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience managing distributed teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil infrastructure project management and design management.

• Extensive, demonstrable experience specifically within the Rail sector, covering design, planning, and execution phases.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing multidisciplinary design teams in a consultancy environment.

• Experience in the USA and Canada will be considered a significant advantage, indicating potential for international project exposure and familiarity with diverse regulatory frameworks. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects from initiation to closure, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource management.

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing and directing the design process for large-scale civil engineering projects, particularly in Rail.

• Rail Infrastructure Expertise: Deep understanding of rail design principles, standards, and project delivery methodologies.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse engineering and technical teams effectively.

• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project and design-related risks.

• Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Skilled in managing project budgets, forecasting costs, and optimizing resource allocation for cost-effectiveness.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Strong commitment to maintaining high design quality standards and ensuring adherence to industry regulations and client specifications.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Organizational & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and develop effective solutions to complex challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable, signifying a standardized approach to project management.

• International Project Experience: Experience working on projects in different geographical regions, particularly USA and Canada, is advantageous.

• AECOM Project Delivery Procedures: Familiarity with AECOM’s internal project delivery frameworks and standards.

• Digital Adoption: Proficiency or willingness to quickly adopt digital tools and platforms for project management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "USA and Canada experience" as an added advantage, coupled with the role being based in Madrid, suggests that AECOM may be looking for candidates who can bridge international standards or manage projects with global components. The explicit mention of AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures indicates that candidates familiar with their internal processes will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of civil infrastructure projects managed, with a strong emphasis on Rail projects, demonstrating leadership and successful outcomes.

• Design Process Documentation: Include examples of how design processes were structured, managed, and improved, illustrating workflow optimization and quality control measures.

• Team Coordination Examples: Provide evidence of successfully coordinating multidisciplinary teams, detailing communication strategies, conflict resolution, and collaborative tools utilized.

• Risk Mitigation Plans: Present instances where potential design risks were identified and effectively mitigated, highlighting proactive problem-solving approaches.

• Budget Management Snapshots: Include anonymized examples of budget tracking, cost control strategies, and resource optimization efforts implemented on past projects.

• Reporting Samples: If permissible, provide anonymized examples of project reports or dashboards used to communicate progress and key metrics to stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows for efficiency and quality, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how design processes were implemented or enhanced through technology or automation, showcasing an understanding of modern project delivery tools.

• Performance Measurement: Detail how the effectiveness of design processes and project management methodologies was measured and reported, including key performance indicators (KPIs) used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on design management and project leadership, a portfolio should highlight not just project completion but the methodology behind successful design delivery. This includes demonstrating an ability to manage complexity, ensure quality, and optimize resources within the stringent framework of engineering consultancy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Project/Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Civil Engineering and Rail Infrastructure in Madrid, Spain, the estimated annual salary range is likely between €65,000 and €90,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the specialized nature of Rail infrastructure, the seniority of the role, and the cost of living in Madrid. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life & Disability Protection: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.

• Retirement Savings: Access to a retirement savings plan.

• Employee Ownership: Opportunity to participate in an employee stock purchase plan.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning, including well-being resources and employee assistance programs.

• Work-Life Balance Support: Flexible work options and perks designed to enhance employee well-being.

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

Working Hours:

• The role is designated as full-time, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work, accommodating efficient project execution and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in Madrid, Spain, considering the extensive experience required and the specialized industry (Rail). AECOM's extensive benefits package, as listed, is a significant component of the total compensation. The mandatory Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location is a key detail regarding work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Construction Services / Global Infrastructure Development. AECOM operates at the forefront of global infrastructure development, providing a wide array of professional services across transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings sectors.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with a global presence, employing over 50,000 people worldwide. This scale offers significant opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, bringing over a century of experience and expertise to the infrastructure industry. This long history signifies stability, deep-rooted technical knowledge, and a proven track record of project delivery.

Team Structure:

• Enterprise Capabilities (EC) Division: This role sits within the EC division, which acts as a specialized, globally distributed technical and project delivery arm of AECOM. Teams are organized to provide workshare, fill capability gaps, and support regional project needs.

• Reporting Structure: The Project/Design Manager will likely report to a senior manager within the EC division, potentially a Director or Vice President of Operations or Project Delivery, with direct oversight of project teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with regional AECOM business lines, project managers, design engineers, technical specialists, and client representatives across various geographies.

Methodology:

• Global Project Delivery: AECOM emphasizes standardized global project delivery procedures, integrating digital adoption and workshare strategies to optimize resource utilization and project outcomes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company relies on robust data analysis and reporting to inform project strategies, manage risks, and ensure client satisfaction.

• Client-Centric Solutions: A core methodology involves partnering closely with clients to understand their complex challenges and deliver innovative, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The EC division's focus on workshare and global collaboration means this role is ideal for individuals who thrive in a matrixed environment and are adept at managing remote teams and diverse project requirements. AECOM's commitment to sustainability and resilience in infrastructure development is a key cultural driver.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, functioning as a critical bridge between technical design execution and strategic project management. It is suitable for individuals with extensive experience seeking to lead significant infrastructure projects and manage complex design processes within a global organization.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to senior leadership within the Enterprise Capabilities (EC) division, such as a Director of Project Delivery or a VP of Engineering. Direct reports would include design engineers, project coordinators, and potentially junior project managers.

Operations Impact: The Project/Design Manager directly influences project success by ensuring designs meet technical specifications, client requirements, and quality standards, while also managing budgets and schedules. Their effective leadership directly contributes to AECOM's reputation for delivering high-quality, complex infrastructure solutions, particularly in the vital Rail sector, and impacts overall company revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in Rail infrastructure design and project management, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Technical Director roles within specific domains.

• Leadership Expansion: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects, potentially overseeing entire business units or regional operations within EC.

• Global Project Exposure: Gain experience on international projects, working with diverse client bases and regulatory environments, enhancing global project management capabilities.

• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the development and refinement of AECOM's global project delivery methodologies and strategies.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to AECOM's award-winning training and development programs, fostering leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a global organization, moving from specialized project/design management to broader leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on global workshare within EC means that growth can be achieved through managing increasingly complex international projects and teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a hybrid work model, indicating a blend of office-based and remote work. The Madrid office likely offers modern facilities designed for collaboration, project work, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Madrid, Spain, specifically at C/Alfonso XII. AECOM also has numerous offices globally, supporting the EC division's workshare model.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, project areas, and common spaces supporting interaction among design teams and project managers.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to AECOM's robust IT infrastructure, including advanced design software, project management platforms, and communication tools essential for global collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with local and remote team members, fostering a sense of community and enabling seamless communication for project coordination.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility, allowing team members to structure their week between office-based activities (meetings, collaborative sessions) and remote work (focused individual tasks, data analysis). This model supports efficient project management while promoting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature of the work environment, requiring self-discipline and effective communication strategies to ensure productivity and team cohesion, especially when coordinating with colleagues in different locations. The mandatory Day 1 onboarding implies a need for physical presence in an AECOM office at the start of employment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and qualifications to assess suitability for the role, focusing on relevant experience in Rail infrastructure and project/design management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion to delve deeper into your experience, leadership style, technical expertise in Rail, and understanding of project/design management principles. Expect questions about your approach to team coordination and risk mitigation.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of senior engineers or project leads who will assess your technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and understanding of AECOM's project delivery standards. A case study or technical challenge related to Rail infrastructure design or project management may be presented.

• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to walk through selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, methodologies used, and quantifiable results achieved. Focus on demonstrating your impact on project success, efficiency, and quality.

• Final Interview: A concluding conversation, potentially with senior leadership, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with AECOM's values and the EC division's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Rail Specifics: Highlight projects and responsibilities directly related to Rail infrastructure, showcasing your specialized knowledge.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your contributions (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, reduction in design errors, team efficiency gains).

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, managing stakeholders, and driving design decisions.

• Process-Oriented Approach: Explain the methodologies and processes you employed for design management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.

• Tailor to AECOM: Understand AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and highlight how your experience aligns with their standards and global approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Optimization Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach optimizing a design process for a complex Rail project, considering timelines, budget, and quality.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving conflicts within multidisciplinary teams, or motivating a distributed workforce.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Be ready to outline a process for identifying and mitigating risks in a large-scale infrastructure project.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated complex technical information or project status to diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, given the seniority and specialized nature of the role. Emphasis will be placed on practical experience, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to integrate into AECOM's global project delivery framework. A well-curated portfolio showcasing direct impact on Rail projects is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools (e.g., Revit) is highly beneficial for understanding design outputs and facilitating coordination.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for seamless communication and collaboration, especially in a hybrid and global work environment.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for storing, organizing, and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, or AECOM's internal systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management and design software to generate insights for reporting and decision-making.

• Reporting Software: Experience with tools for creating clear and concise project reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows into client management systems and how automation can streamline project documentation and reporting processes is valuable.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or principles can be an advantage in optimizing design and project management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't explicitly listed, the role demands proficiency in standard engineering and project management tools. The emphasis on digital adoption suggests a need for adaptability to AECOM's proprietary or preferred technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings and fostering a culture of trust within teams and with clients.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Promoting a spirit of cooperation across diverse teams and geographies to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement in design and project delivery processes, embracing new technologies and methodologies to achieve superior outcomes.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Commitment to developing infrastructure solutions that are environmentally responsible and built to withstand future challenges.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships based on reliable delivery and expert advice.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Inclusive: AECOM fosters a collaborative environment that embraces diverse perspectives from its global workforce. Expect to work with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds and professional disciplines.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around adherence to established project delivery procedures and quality standards, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages open communication and constructive feedback to continuously improve project execution and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize global collaboration and a commitment to delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a diverse, international team environment and a dedication to quality and client satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Effectively coordinating and motivating design teams spread across different time zones and cultures requires strong communication and leadership skills.

• Technical Complexity: Overseeing intricate Rail infrastructure designs and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards and regulations.

• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling multiple project priorities, deadlines, and client expectations within a demanding consultancy environment.

• Adapting to Digital Transformation: Embracing and integrating new digital tools and workflows into established project delivery processes.

• Cross-Office Coordination: Navigating the complexities of workshare agreements and ensuring seamless integration between different AECOM offices involved in a project.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs focused on advanced Rail engineering, project management methodologies, and leadership development.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry events and pursuing professional certifications (e.g., advanced PMP, specialized Rail engineering courses).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM or to mentor junior professionals, enhancing leadership and technical guidance skills.

• Global Project Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience on diverse and high-profile international infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to global team management and technical complexity, which are also key drivers for professional growth. AECOM's commitment to employee development provides ample opportunities to overcome these challenges and advance one's career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading design teams on complex Rail infrastructure projects. What was your approach to managing multidisciplinary coordination and ensuring quality?" (Focus on your leadership, process, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How have you managed project budgets and optimized resource allocation on similar projects? Provide a specific example of cost savings or efficiency improvements you achieved." (Highlight your financial acumen and strategic resource management.)

• "Walk me through a challenging situation where you had to mitigate significant design risks. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your risk assessment and proactive problem-solving capabilities.)

• "How do you ensure adherence to AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and quality standards, especially when working with distributed teams?" (Show your understanding of process compliance and quality assurance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's commitment to sustainability and resilience in infrastructure? How would you integrate these principles into your project management approach?" (Research AECOM's corporate social responsibility and sustainability goals.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within a diverse, geographically dispersed team?" (Reflect on your leadership style and experience with remote team management.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective communication and productivity." (Address your adaptability to flexible work arrangements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (emphasizing Rail), clearly defining your role, responsibilities, and contributions for each.

• Narrative: For each case study, tell a story: the challenge, your approach (methodology, tools), the execution, and the quantifiable results.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, charts, and key project visuals (if permissible) to illustrate complex concepts and project scope.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your actions directly contributed to project success, efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction. Be prepared to discuss ROI where applicable.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly by understanding AECOM's global operations, its emphasis on digital adoption, and its commitment to sustainability. Tailor your responses to align with these values and demonstrate how your experience directly addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant projects in Rail infrastructure design and management. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your leadership, process methodologies, and quantifiable achievements in managing complex design processes and multidisciplinary teams.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Rail Infrastructure," "Design Management," "Project Management," "Multidisciplinary Teams," "Budget Optimization," and "Risk Mitigation." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to design process management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's global operations, its Enterprise Capabilities division, and its commitment to sustainability and digital transformation. Understand their project delivery procedures and company culture to demonstrate alignment.

⚠️ 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.