Consulting Rail Practice Director

Amey are a leading provider of full life-cycle engineering, operations, and decarbonisation solutions, for transport infrastructure and complex facilities.  

Working for us, you’ll be delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance life and protect our shared future.

Our people are driven by a set of strong values, based on safety, insight, and collaboration.   

The Opportunity

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Practices Director to join our Consulting Rail Business on a permanent contract.

The Amey Consulting Rail team are the fastest growing large consultancy in the Rail industry. We deliver designs from inception through to delivery on major projects that form the backbone of the Network Rail network including the Transpennine West of Leeds project and for Transport for Wales on the Core Valleys Line in South Wales. Our designers work alongside Amey’s Analytics & Advisory Consulting Team providing innovative solutions based on data analytics as well as using augmented reality and context capture to bring new thinking to the industry.

The role

As the Consulting Rail Practice Director, you will lead a group of consultancy practices through Practice Leads responsible for the professional development and people management of all practice resource.

You will ensure that there are optimum levels of skill and capability required to deliver both existing projects and future pipeline and will advocate ‘cross practice’ collaboration within your own area and with other Practices Directors.

Leading the team to develop client propositions, differentiated offerings and innovation, and thought leadership in relevant areas of expertise is a prerequisite of the role. You will work collaboratively with peers across the practice directorate and client delivery teams to deliver exceptional client solutions, and in conjunction with the Business Development team you will identify complimentary practices and client offerings. Key responsibilities include:

• Accountable for the utilisation of practice resources ensuring optimum level of skill and capability available on time to projects and bids
• Ensures engagement across the Practice teams including responsibility for communication updates, wellbeing, and celebrating success.
• Manages multiple stakeholders, liaising with the Business Director and Client Delivery Directors to understand resource requirements and provide expert input into shaping project & resourcing plans. 
• Works closely with the Operations team and Business Development alongside peer Practice Directors across the organisation.
• Embeds robust resource management, ensuring optimum level of skill and capability within resource pool. 
• Develops clear plans to address any skill shortages or capability gaps.  Ensures a pipeline of available talent mitigating future resource constraints and evidencing long term workforce planning.
• Identifies and engages with key stakeholders to ensure robust resource management ensuring the practices can respond to resource requirements from projects and bids as required including attracting new talent into the organisation.
• Manages the cost control for each cost centre under their jurisdiction including budget setting and monthly reviews
• Embeds best practice people management, engagement and development. Develops robust succession plans and ensures clear career development paths are in place.
• Drives a culture where Amey Consulting is recognised as a great place to work, upholding Amey values and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Leads and drives change programmes as required to ensure optimum efficiency/utilisation.

• Ensures clear governance and reporting in place relating to people resourcing and capability. 
• Ensures everyone understands what is expected of them through the setting of robust objectives, and ensures regular feedback is provided to manage performance in line with the wider Consulting governance requirements and in collaboration with Practice Director peers.
• Supports proposition development and identification of innovation, ensuring development of industry leading and value adding solutions for our clients. 
• Liaises with Business Development colleagues to develop the skills pipeline and associated resource requirements.  Provides input into Strategy and Business Development function on market trends and developments.
• Actively inputs into bidding activity including development of win strategy and delivery of bid content.
• Deputises for Business Director

What you will bring to us:

• Extensive senior leadership experience, with evidence of developing engaged and motivated teams.
• Strong technical knowledge in relevant practice area.
• Strong sector knowledge including relevant market opportunity.
• Consultancy background
• Experience to visibly demonstrate good practice and drive forward the practice specialism.
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen
• Ability to plan and prioritise work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organisation’s goals.
• Ability to create and lead high performing teams both remotely and in person.
• Ability to embrace change and drive forward continuous improvement and innovation.
• Degree qualified or equivalent experience, coupled with professional qualifications.
• A fellow of a relevant institution would be desirable.

What we can offer you:

At Amey, we recognise that our biggest asset is our people. That’s why when you join us, we offer flexibility, career development, a choice of benefits and support that help you through all life’s ups and downs. It’s the reason why Investors in People put us among the top 1% of employers.

Career Development –

Our dedicated progression framework identifies your career pathway and progress within the organisation, and with dedicated mentoring and support on hand to ensure you hit your career milestones. We’re huge advocates for professional development and offer a recognition bonus for those achieving professional qualifications.

Work-life Balance –

Work-life balance and flexibility are key for our success. We empower our people to make choices that are right for them, with hybrid, part-time and flexible work patterns. And with a network of offices across the UK, we’re open to discussing working options that suit you.

Wellbeing –

Health cash plan, 24 GP, support and assistance programmes, wellbeing ambassadors and Wellbeing Wednesday, dental vouchers

EDI-

At Amey we celebrate our people and all that they are. This is reflected in our Affinity Group networks, providing a community of support and connection, a safe space to share experiences, learn from one another and generate ideas – Women @ Amey, NeuroDiversity, Armed Forces, Multicultural Network, Pride, Diversability and Parents & Carers.

Social Value –

You’ll get 2 Community Involvement Days each year to volunteer for a charity of your choice and further opportunities to support fundraising initiatives.

Plus, a range of other great perks and benefits including:

• Pension – Generous Pension scheme which we will contribute to
• Holidays – Minimum 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Bonus – up to 20% of base salary
• Choices – Our flexible benefits scheme is tailored by you, including buying additional annual leave, cycle2work scheme, charity giving and gym membership.
• Save with Amey – Our online voucher portal gives you access to thousands of discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in.

Your Career at Amey Consulting

At Amey Consulting, we value collective expertise, but also the spark one person can bring. As one of us, you can really be yourself, because your individuality is an asset.

You’ll be stretched, but always supported. We’ll recognise your hard work and look after your well-being too. You’ll be empowered to play your part and achieve, encouraged to fulfil your own ambition as well as the shared one.

Application Guidance

Amey is committed to Inclusion and Diversity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Please contact our recruitment team at peopleservices@amey.co.uk to discuss any access needs, reasonable adjustments or additional application support that may be required at any point during the recruitment process.