Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Project Management / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-27T10:05:48.102

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and execution of complex civil infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on transportation sectors such as Highways, Rail, and Bridges.

• Manage and inspire multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure efficient project delivery and innovative solutions.

• Oversee the entire design process from conceptualization through to final delivery, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards, project timelines, and client specifications.

• Optimize project budgets and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while mitigating design-related risks.

• Drive the adoption and adherence to AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and quality principles, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's "Enterprise Capabilities" (EC) team, which operates as a global workshare vehicle. This implies a significant component of cross-office and potentially cross-border collaboration, requiring strong coordination skills and adaptability to diverse project structures and team dynamics. The "Hybrid" work model suggests a blend of on-site and remote work, requiring self-discipline and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization, planning, and execution of civil infrastructure design projects, with a strong emphasis on Highways, Rail, and Bridges.

• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and effective communication across various engineering disciplines and potentially across different AECOM EC offices for multicentre projects.

• Implement robust design process management, from initial concept development to final design delivery, including conducting regular progress review meetings and making necessary adjustments to stay on track.

• Proactively identify potential risks within the design phase and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines, budget, and quality.

• Uphold and enforce AECOM's quality principles, industry regulations, and client specifications throughout all design stages, ensuring the delivery of technically sound and compliant infrastructure solutions.

• Manage design budgets effectively, focusing on cost-optimization and resource allocation to achieve project financial goals without compromising on quality or scope.

• Maintain meticulous project documentation, ensuring all project lifecycle stages are accurately recorded and accessible for audits and future reference.

• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and informative project reports to internal stakeholders and clients, facilitating informed decision-making and progress tracking.

• Ensure strict adherence to AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and relevant international design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Coordinate with various EC offices for Multidisciplinary and/or Multicentre projects" highlights a key aspect of this role within the Enterprise Capabilities team, emphasizing the need for strong inter-office collaboration and understanding of global project delivery frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated track record of success in managing complex projects within the Highways, Rail, and Bridges sectors.

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating work across different engineering disciplines.

Required Skills:

• Civil Infrastructure Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage the design process for large-scale civil infrastructure projects.

• Project Management Expertise: Strong capabilities in project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, with a focus on design deliverables.

• Team Management & Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading, motivating, and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design and project risks.

• Budget Management: Skill in managing project design budgets, forecasting costs, and implementing cost-saving measures.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to upholding high standards of design quality and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical and project challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable.

• International Project Experience: Experience with projects in North America (USA and Canada) is advantageous.

• Advanced Technical Knowledge: Deeper expertise in specific areas of Highways, Rail, or Bridges design.

• Familiarity with AECOM Processes: Understanding of AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures and quality management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "USA and Canada experience will be an added advantage" suggests that while the primary work location is Madrid, the role may involve interaction with North American projects, clients, or standards, potentially requiring an understanding of different regulatory environments or project delivery methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing successful civil infrastructure projects (Highways, Rail, Bridges) managed from a design perspective, detailing scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Design Process Documentation: Examples of process flows, risk registers, and quality control plans implemented for complex design projects.

• Team Coordination Examples: Evidence of managing multidisciplinary teams, including communication strategies and conflict resolution approaches.

• Budget Management Artifacts: Demonstrations of budget tracking, cost control measures, and resource optimization strategies used in past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document, analyze, and optimize design workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Experience in implementing design process improvements, potentially leveraging digital tools or automation where applicable.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Skills in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for design processes and analyzing performance data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on design management within a consultancy and the emphasis on "Enterprise Capabilities" and "workshare," a portfolio should ideally highlight the candidate's ability to manage distributed teams and complex project coordination across different geographical locations or business units.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability benefits to provide income protection.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences.

• Voluntary benefits options for supplementary coverage.

• Flexible work options, including a Hybrid work model.

• Well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Business travel insurance for work-related travel.

• Service recognition awards for employee loyalty and contributions.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension scheme).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically around 40 hours per week. The role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a flexible arrangement between office-based and remote work, subject to project needs and team coordination requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Madrid. Candidates are strongly advised to research current local market rates for senior engineering and project management roles in the civil infrastructure sector in Spain and prepare to discuss their salary expectations accordingly. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a commitment to employee welfare and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure Consulting, Professional Services. AECOM operates globally, delivering a wide range of infrastructure services, including transportation, water, environment, buildings, and energy.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad network of expertise.

Founded: AECOM's history traces back to the 1930s, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become the global leader it is today. This long-standing presence signifies stability and a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Enterprise Capabilities" (EC) team, which acts as a global workshare hub, providing technical expertise and project support across regions.

• This team is composed of over 3000 technical professionals across nine countries, indicating a highly specialized and distributed structure.

• The specific project team will likely include various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.), project controls, and potentially digital specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and analytics to inform project planning, execution, and problem-solving.

• Global Collaboration & Workshare: The EC team's core function is to facilitate cross-border collaboration and resource sharing to optimize project delivery.

• Digital Adoption: AECOM is investing in digital technologies and innovation to enhance service delivery and client value.

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting client needs to deliver impactful and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Enterprise Capabilities" team structure is a critical differentiator. Candidates should understand that success here involves navigating complex matrix reporting lines and collaborating effectively with teams they may not directly manage or even meet in person regularly. The emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" is central to the EC team's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities. It's positioned as a crucial link between technical design expertise and project delivery management within a global framework.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior manager or director within the Enterprise Capabilities team, potentially with a dotted-line reporting relationship to project directors for specific projects. Collaboration will be extensive with project managers, design leads across various disciplines, and client representatives.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project success by ensuring high-quality, timely, and cost-effective design solutions for critical civil infrastructure. It contributes to AECOM's reputation as a trusted infrastructure consulting firm and supports the company's growth strategy by enabling efficient global workshare.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior project director roles, program management, or leadership positions within the Enterprise Capabilities team or regional business lines.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific transportation sectors (e.g., high-speed rail, smart highways) or advanced design methodologies.

• Global Project Exposure: Involvement in international projects, offering exposure to diverse engineering challenges, regulatory environments, and client types.

• Mentorship & Training: AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" philosophy and "award-winning training and development programs" suggest structured opportunities for skill enhancement, leadership development, and career pathing.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining experience in different business groups or working on diverse project types within AECOM's broad service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Freedom to Grow" philosophy and emphasis on career development are key selling points. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their long-term career aspirations and how this role aligns with their growth trajectory within a global engineering consultancy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of in-office work and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed for both individual focused work and collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Madrid, Spain, specifically at C/Alfonso XII. AECOM likely maintains professional office spaces in major cities globally, facilitating the "Enterprise Capabilities" model.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely feature meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas conducive to teamwork and design reviews.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM's standard engineering software, communication platforms, and project management tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with local EC team members and potentially with global colleagues via video conferencing and digital collaboration platforms. The hybrid model requires proactive engagement to maintain team cohesion.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered through the hybrid arrangement. The nature of project management may require occasional adjustments to work hours to meet critical deadlines or coordinate with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work model necessitates strong self-management skills and effective use of digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they maintain productivity and team connection in a hybrid setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the CV and application by HR or a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior EC leader) to evaluate experience, leadership style, and fit for the role and team. This stage may involve scenario-based questions related to project management and design leadership.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potential interviews with other senior team members or project leads to assess technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and collaboration skills. This might include a discussion of portfolio projects.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio case study or complete a technical challenge related to managing a complex design project or a multidisciplinary team.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a higher-level executive or HR for final assessment and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Scope & Complexity: Clearly articulate the scale, technical challenges, and impact of the transportation infrastructure projects you've managed (Highways, Rail, Bridges).

• Showcase Leadership & Team Management: Provide specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams, fostered collaboration, and managed team dynamics, especially in distributed or cross-office scenarios.

• Demonstrate Process & Quality Control: Detail your approach to design process management, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and adherence to standards.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to demonstrate your impact on project timelines, budgets, cost savings, and quality improvements.

• Tailor to AECOM's Context: Emphasize experience that aligns with AECOM's values, "Enterprise Capabilities" model, and global operations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a challenging design problem or a project facing significant delays or budget overruns.

• Team Conflict Resolution: Be ready to share examples of how you've resolved conflicts within a design team or managed difficult stakeholder relationships.

• Global Coordination: Consider how you would manage communication and coordination for a project involving teams in different countries and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on the "Enterprise Capabilities" team and global workshare, interviewers will likely probe deeply into your ability to manage projects and teams remotely and across different cultural and operational contexts. A strong portfolio demonstrating this is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard PM tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Design Software Suites: Familiarity with common CAD and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is beneficial, though direct design is not the primary focus. Understanding their application and output is key (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit).

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual meetings, communication, and document sharing.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Competence in using Excel for data analysis and reporting is essential. Familiarity with business intelligence tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and reports would be advantageous.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating progress reports, financial summaries, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM sales role, understanding how CRM systems integrate with project management and client data can be beneficial.

• Experience with workflow automation tools for project processes or documentation management would be a plus.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems (e.g., PM tools, financial systems, design software) can be integrated to improve data flow and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific AECOM proprietary software is not listed, a candidate's adaptability to learn new systems and their proficiency with general project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools are critical. The ability to manage projects using digital platforms is paramount for the Enterprise Capabilities team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support, especially across distributed teams.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet client expectations and industry standards.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all professional dealings.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve project delivery.

• Global Mindset: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment that supports international collaboration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM fosters a culture where different disciplines and teams work together seamlessly to achieve project goals. This role is central to integrating design efforts across various EC offices and with client-side project teams.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to enhance processes, designs, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned across the global EC network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Enterprise Capabilities" team likely embodies a highly collaborative and results-oriented culture, driven by the need to deliver complex projects efficiently across geographical boundaries. Expect a dynamic environment where proactive communication and a shared commitment to project success are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating design teams located in different countries, time zones, and cultures presents significant communication and logistical challenges.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality: Maintaining uniform high standards of design quality and adherence to AECOM's procedures across diverse project teams and locations requires robust oversight.

• Navigating Project Complexity: Handling intricate technical challenges in transportation infrastructure (Highways, Rail, Bridges) while balancing budget, schedule, and stakeholder expectations.

• Adapting to AECOM's Systems: Becoming proficient with AECOM's specific project delivery procedures, quality management systems, and digital tools.

• Balancing Hybrid Work: Effectively managing team engagement and productivity in a hybrid work environment, ensuring seamless collaboration between remote and on-site team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain experience managing increasingly complex and large-scale international infrastructure projects.

• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Access to AECOM's leadership development programs to refine management, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of transportation engineering through project involvement and training.

• Global Networking: Building a professional network with colleagues and experts across AECOM's global operations.

• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining professional certifications like PMP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the complexities of managing global, distributed teams and ensuring consistent quality and delivery in a large, matrixed organization. The growth opportunities are substantial for those seeking to advance their careers in international infrastructure project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Global Project Management: "Describe a time you managed a project with a distributed team across multiple locations or time zones. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on communication strategies, risk mitigation, and team cohesion).

• Design Process Improvement: "How do you ensure design quality and compliance with standards when overseeing a complex infrastructure project? Can you provide an example of a process improvement you implemented?" (Highlight your approach to quality assurance, risk management, and continuous improvement).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage expectations and communication with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies, especially in a cross-cultural context?" (Emphasize clear communication, proactive reporting, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's 'Enterprise Capabilities' model and our 'Think and Act Globally' strategy?" (Show understanding of AECOM's global approach and workshare model).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, particularly in a hybrid or remote setting?" (Demonstrate your ability to foster teamwork and positive working relationships).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around 2-3 key projects, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each.

• Highlight Global Coordination: For each project, explicitly detail your role in coordinating with different teams or locations, the communication methods used, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to showcase your achievements in terms of budget adherence, schedule management, quality improvements, and risk reduction.

• Address Design Process: Explain your methodology for managing the design lifecycle, ensuring quality, and mitigating risks.

• Tailor to AECOM: Connect your experiences and methodologies to AECOM's values and the specific requirements of this role within the EC team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to speak extensively about your experience managing projects with teams that are not co-located. Your ability to articulate strategies for effective virtual collaboration, communication across cultures, and remote oversight will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to prominently feature your experience in civil infrastructure, transportation projects (Highways, Rail, Bridges), project management, and design leadership. Quantify achievements with data and highlight any experience with international projects or distributed teams.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases your most relevant project management and design leadership accomplishments. Focus on case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, lead multidisciplinary teams (ideally across locations), and ensure high-quality design delivery within budget and schedule constraints.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and experience with global collaboration. Practice articulating your project management methodology and your understanding of AECOM's "Enterprise Capabilities" model.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM, its "Enterprise Capabilities" team, and its recent projects in the transportation sector. Understand their values, mission, and the significance of delivering a "better world."

⚠️ 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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