Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager Company: AECOM Location: Warszawa, Poland Job Type: Contract Category: Civil Infrastructure / Transportation Project Management & Design Date Posted: November 13, 2025 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 Highways, Rail, and Bridges, ensuring successful project planning, execution, and closure.
• Manage and synergize multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and efficient project delivery across various AECOM global offices for complex, multicenter projects.
• Oversee all design stages from conceptualization to final delivery, meticulously ensuring adherence to project timelines, technical specifications, and AECOM's stringent quality principles and industry regulations.
• Strategically manage design budgets and optimize resource allocation to ensure cost-effectiveness and maximize project success, identifying opportunities for financial savings and enhanced efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of Project Management and Design Management within the civil infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on transportation assets. The emphasis on leading design processes, coordinating global teams, and managing budgets aligns with senior operations roles in engineering consultancies. The mention of "AECOM Project Delivery Procedures" suggests a need for adaptability to established operational frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the comprehensive design process for civil infrastructure initiatives, with a deep concentration on Highways, Rail, and Bridges, from initial project conception through to final delivery and post-project review.
• Provide robust leadership and direction to diverse, multidisciplinary design teams, cultivating a highly collaborative and efficient work atmosphere essential for complex project execution.
• Facilitate seamless coordination with various AECOM Engineering & Construction (EC) offices to ensure cohesive management of multidisciplinary and multicenter projects, driving integrated project delivery.
• Diligently oversee all phases of the design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final sign-off, ensuring strict compliance with established project timelines, precise technical specifications, and client requirements.
• Implement and rigorously uphold AECOM’s quality principles, industry-specific regulations, and client mandate standards throughout all design activities, guaranteeing the highest caliber of infrastructure solutions.
• Proactively identify potential risks within the design phase and develop comprehensive, effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project integrity and timelines.
• Conduct regular design review meetings to meticulously assess progress, identify potential roadblocks, and implement necessary adjustments to maintain project momentum and quality.
• Effectively manage design budgets, ensuring cost-effective utilization of all resources and actively seeking opportunities for financial optimization and savings.
• Optimize the allocation of design resources, including personnel and technological assets, to maximize team efficiency and drive overall project success.
• Maintain meticulous and accurate project documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and impactful regular project reports to internal teams and external stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic alignment.
• Adapt to and consistently apply AECOM’s Project Delivery Procedures and established standards, ensuring operational consistency and adherence to best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and resource optimization, which are core tenets of effective operations management in large-scale engineering and construction firms. The need to coordinate across global offices and adhere to specific AECOM procedures points to a need for strong operational discipline and cross-cultural communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related technical field is a mandatory requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil infrastructure project management and design management is essential.
• Prior experience within the USA and Canadian markets will be considered a significant advantage, indicating familiarity with different regulatory environments and project standards.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in leading and managing complex civil infrastructure projects, with a specialized focus on Highways, Rail, and Bridges.
• Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities in managing and motivating multidisciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with a meticulous approach to project scheduling, resource allocation, and documentation.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities, with a capacity to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions in a dynamic project environment.
• Profound understanding of design process management, from conceptualization through to detailed design and construction support.
• Experience in budget management and cost control for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes in engineering design.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with global teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is highly desirable, indicating formal training and adherence to project management best practices.
• Experience with international project coordination and multi-office collaboration.
• Knowledge of specific design software and modeling tools relevant to transportation infrastructure (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, specific rail design software).
• Experience in risk management and mitigation planning for complex engineering projects.
• Understanding of AECOM's specific project delivery methodologies and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in civil engineering, practical project and design management experience, and strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The preference for PMP certification and US/Canada experience suggests a desire for candidates with globally recognized project management standards and potentially cross-border project exposure, which are valuable in large multinational consultancies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of civil infrastructure projects (specifically Highways, Rail & Bridges) from initiation to completion, highlighting personal contributions and team achievements.
• Include detailed case studies of complex design processes managed, illustrating your approach to planning, execution, and oversight, with clear project scope and deliverables.
• Present examples of budget management and resource optimization strategies employed, demonstrating your ability to deliver projects cost-effectively and efficiently.
• Provide evidence of implementing and maintaining high design quality standards, including any QA/QC processes or compliance measures you have overseen.
• Demonstrate your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, with examples of how you fostered collaboration and resolved interdisciplinary challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing the design lifecycle, from concept development to final design submission, emphasizing key control points and review stages.
• Evidence of risk assessment and mitigation planning processes specifically applied to design phases of infrastructure projects.
• Examples of project reporting templates and methodologies used to communicate progress, risks, and financial status to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in adapting to and implementing established project delivery procedures (e.g., AECOM's standards), including any process improvement initiatives undertaken.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a strong portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's systematic approach to managing complex design processes, financial oversight, quality control, and team dynamics. Demonstrating adaptability to established corporate procedures like AECOM's is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated range for a Civil Infrastructure - Transportation Project Manager / Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Warszawa, Poland, is approximately 25,000 - 40,000 PLN gross per month (approx. €5,500 - €8,800 gross per month). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering and project management roles in major European cities, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized infrastructure expertise.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, tailored for employees and potentially their families.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Access to AECOM's global network of experts and resources, fostering continuous learning and career advancement.
• Pension scheme contributions to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid time off, including annual leave, public holidays, and potentially sick leave.
• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility and a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Employee assistance programs offering confidential support for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" hybrid working philosophy. Specific daily schedules may vary based on project needs and team coordination requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on general market data for senior engineering management roles in Poland, adjusted for the capital city and sector demand. Benefits are typical for large multinational corporations in the engineering consultancy sector, focusing on professional growth, health, and work-life balance, amplified by AECOM's stated "Freedom to Grow" philosophy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Infrastructure Consulting. AECOM operates at the forefront of the infrastructure sector, providing a broad spectrum of services from planning and design to program and construction management. They are involved in transformative projects worldwide, impacting transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environment sectors. Company Size: Over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of project opportunities, as well as established operational procedures. Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, signifying over a century of experience and a deep-rooted legacy in engineering and infrastructure development. This long history suggests a stable organization with a wealth of accumulated knowledge and a strong commitment to long-term client relationships and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The operations team within AECOM is likely structured into specialized disciplines, with this role sitting within the Civil Infrastructure or Transportation division.
• Reporting likely proceeds through a Senior Project Director or a Regional Manager, with direct management responsibility over a team of design engineers, CAD technicians, and potentially junior project managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close liaison with other engineering disciplines (structural, geotechnical, environmental), procurement, construction management, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, utilizing advanced analytics and digital tools to inform decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, focusing on efficiency, risk management, and adherence to global standards like AECOM's Project Delivery Procedures.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated, leveraging technology to streamline design processes, improve collaboration, and enhance project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description points to a large, established, and global organization with a strong focus on delivering complex infrastructure projects. The company culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to impactful work. The "Freedom to Grow" philosophy suggests an environment that supports employee development and work-life balance, important considerations for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position in operations, specifically within the project and design management domain of civil infrastructure. It requires a seasoned professional capable of leading complex, multidisciplinary efforts and taking significant responsibility for project outcomes, budget, and team performance. The scope extends beyond individual project tasks to strategic oversight and process adherence.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to higher-level management within the infrastructure or transportation division, such as a Director of Engineering, a Senior Project Director, or a Regional Manager. This structure provides oversight and guidance while empowering the Project/Design Manager with autonomy in day-to-day operations and design leadership.

Operations Impact: The operations team, led by this role, directly impacts AECOM's success by ensuring the efficient and high-quality delivery of transportation infrastructure projects. This includes delivering projects on time and within budget, maintaining client satisfaction, mitigating risks, and upholding AECOM's reputation for technical excellence. The effectiveness of the operations function is directly tied to AECOM's revenue generation and market position in the infrastructure consulting sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transportation infrastructure (e.g., high-speed rail, complex highway interchanges) or advanced design methodologies.
• Leadership Progression: Transition into roles with broader geographical or divisional responsibility, such as a Director of Project Management, Head of Design, or Country Manager for engineering services.
• Strategic Operations Development: Contribute to the enhancement of AECOM's global project delivery procedures, focusing on process optimization, digital transformation, and efficiency improvements.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills, leading to opportunities in business development and account management for major infrastructure clients.
• Mentorship and Training: Take on a mentorship role for junior engineers and project managers, contributing to the development of future talent within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in an operations career path within the engineering consultancy sector. It offers a blend of technical leadership and management responsibilities, with clear pathways for further career advancement into more strategic and leadership-oriented operations roles within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model, as indicated by their "Freedom to Grow" philosophy. This means the work environment will likely be a combination of office-based collaboration and remote work. The office space is expected to be modern, well-equipped, and designed to facilitate both individual focused work and team-based collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Warszawa, Poland. AECOM has a global presence, and this role may involve coordination with international offices. The specific office in Warszawa would likely be centrally located and accessible via public transport, as is common for major corporate offices in European capitals.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be conducive to collaboration, with meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed to encourage interaction among multidisciplinary teams working on complex infrastructure projects.
• Access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, advanced design software, and communication tools, will be standard to support both office and remote work.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior management, and potentially clients will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and engaging operational environment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is anticipated. The hybrid model provides flexibility, allowing employees to balance their work responsibilities with personal life. While core hours may exist for team coordination, there’s likely autonomy in structuring the remainder of the work week, aligning with AECOM's emphasis on trust and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and focus on collaboration are key aspects of AECOM's modern operational approach. For an operations role, understanding how to effectively manage teams and processes across different work settings is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR and potentially a hiring manager to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly years of experience and specific project types.
• Technical Interview: A detailed discussion focusing on your experience in civil infrastructure project and design management, covering specific projects, methodologies used, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Expect questions about Highways, Rail, and Bridges.
• Case Study / Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio, detailing your role, the project's operational complexities, design challenges, budget management, and team coordination strategies. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your process management skills and impact.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your leadership style, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and how you align with AECOM's values and "Freedom to Grow" philosophy.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing complex transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Highlight your specific contributions and the project's operational success.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact – e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentages, team size managed, project value.
• Showcase Process Management: Clearly articulate the design processes you implemented, how you managed multidisciplinary teams, handled documentation, and ensured quality. Use diagrams or workflow charts if helpful.
• Address Challenges & Solutions: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you strategically addressed them, demonstrating your problem-solving acumen and resilience.
• Tailor to AECOM: Briefly research AECOM's recent projects in Poland or Europe and try to draw parallels or highlight how your experience aligns with their current business focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design management challenge for a large-scale rail or highway project in Poland, considering local regulations, multidisciplinary coordination, and budget constraints.
• Prepare to explain your methodology for managing design risks and ensuring quality control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you foster collaboration within diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical and operational capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate complex processes and strategic thinking are paramount. The focus on case studies and process demonstration is key for operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard project management tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar, for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with core civil engineering design software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, and potentially specialized rail design platforms (e.g., OpenRail).
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or AECOM's internal collaboration suites for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.
• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Experience with BIM platforms and workflows (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design and project delivery is increasingly important in infrastructure.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project-related data, potentially using Excel for basic analysis or more advanced tools if involved in performance metrics reporting.
• Reporting Software: Experience in generating project reports, potentially using integrated features within PM software or dedicated reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows from client interactions through to project execution is beneficial. Familiarity with systems that manage client relationships and project pipelines would be an asset.
• Automation within design processes, such as using scripting or BIM functionalities to streamline repetitive tasks, would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in project management and core design software is essential. The increasing adoption of BIM and digital collaboration tools highlights the evolving operational technology landscape in engineering consultancies, which operations professionals must navigate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all project dealings and striving for technical excellence in design and project management.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of partnership both within project teams and across AECOM's global network, recognizing that complex infrastructure is built by collective effort.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to solve complex challenges and adapt to the evolving demands of the infrastructure sector.
• Client Focus & Delivery: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering projects efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.
• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of all involved in projects and embedding sustainable practices into the design and delivery processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM's operations heavily rely on seamless collaboration between diverse engineering disciplines, project managers, and support functions. This role requires actively building bridges and facilitating communication across these groups.
• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on project delivery processes, aiming for continuous improvement and shared learning.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and offices to elevate the collective operational capability of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values and implied collaboration style emphasize a professional, results-oriented environment where teamwork, technical rigor, and client satisfaction are paramount. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values in their daily work and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Dispersal: Effectively coordinating and maintaining consistent operational standards across multidisciplinary teams located in different AECOM offices globally, requiring strong virtual leadership and communication skills.
• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with diverse national and local regulations for transportation infrastructure projects, particularly when working across different jurisdictions or with international clients.
• Balancing Project Demands with Quality: Meeting tight project deadlines and budget constraints while upholding AECOM's rigorous quality standards and ensuring the long-term performance and safety of the infrastructure.
• Adopting Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new design technologies, BIM advancements, and digital project management tools to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support and opportunities to pursue further certifications beyond PMP, such as PRINCE2 or specialized infrastructure project management credentials.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to AECOM's internal leadership training and development programs designed to cultivate future senior leaders within the organization.
• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend key industry events and technical seminars to stay current with best practices, emerging trends, and network with peers.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to other areas of AECOM's expertise (e.g., environmental, water, buildings) to broaden understanding of integrated infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant operational challenges typical of large, international engineering consultancies. Successfully navigating these challenges provides substantial opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement within AECOM's extensive global network.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex civil infrastructure project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key operational challenges, how did you ensure design quality, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you manage and motivate multidisciplinary design teams located across different geographical locations? Provide an example."
• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design risks in large-scale transportation projects. How do you ensure budget adherence throughout this process?"
• "AECOM emphasizes a 'better world' through its infrastructure projects. How do you integrate sustainability and long-term impact considerations into your design and project management approach?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Given AECOM's 'Freedom to Grow' philosophy, how do you envision balancing team collaboration with individual flexibility in a hybrid work environment?"
• "How do you ensure adherence to corporate project delivery procedures and quality standards when managing projects with diverse teams and timelines?"
• "What is your understanding of AECOM's role in delivering transformative infrastructure, and how does your experience align with our mission?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level project overview, followed by your specific operational and design management responsibilities, key challenges, implemented solutions, and quantifiable results.
• Visuals: Use clear graphics, project plans, or design snippets to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.
• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting the problem, your approach, the actions taken, and the positive outcomes. Focus on your leadership and operational decision-making.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about budget, schedule, risk, team dynamics, and technical aspects related to your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of project and design management operations, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex processes and results clearly. Tailoring responses to AECOM's values and project types will be key.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Navigate to the provided application link on the AECOM careers portal.
• Carefully tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in civil infrastructure, specifically mentioning Highways, Rail, and Bridges projects, and relevant project management or design management achievements.
• Prepare a concise cover letter that articulates your understanding of the role's operational demands and how your leadership and design management expertise align with AECOM's mission and values.
• Assemble a professional portfolio showcasing 2-3 key transportation infrastructure projects. For each, clearly detail your role, the design process managed, budget oversight, team coordination, and any significant operational successes or challenges overcome.
• Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights, focusing on operational efficiency, quality assurance, and team leadership, in anticipation of the interview process.

⚠️ 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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