Rail Advisory Consultant

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At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

We are seeking an experienced Rail Operations and/or Maintenance professional to play a key role in growing our CEAS presence across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This pivotal role will act as the primary CEAS/Rail Advisory point of contact for our Irish rail clients, helping shape, win, and deliver high quality advisory, operational and technical services across both jurisdictions.

A little more about your role...
We’re looking for skilled and experienced Chartered Engineers with a strong background in railway maintenance to join our Rail Asset Management & Maintenance team, part of WSP in the UK’s Rail Advisory group. Our work involves supporting our clients across the full asset lifecycle, from strategy development and design analysis through to operations, renewals, and continuous improvement. With a focus on safety, maintainability, cost-efficiency, and asset performance, we help organisations realise the full value of their assets, working to best practice and standards such as ISO 55000, ISO 55001, and ISO 55002.

This is a varied role, blending rail maintenance advisory, asset management, and high-level consulting applied to a range of rail disciplines including rail systems and infrastructure, digital signalling systems and rolling stock. On some projects you’ll be deep in the detail resolving operational issues; on others you’ll be shaping strategic, organisational, and operational change. Our work spans operational system specifications, design reviews, whole-life cost analysis, asset & organisational resilience to climate change, maintenance planning, maintainability and accessibility assessments and the development of asset management strategies and systems. We integrate new and complex technologies into whole-system solutions, ensuring that they deliver lasting value for our clients.

We are a client-facing, problem-solving team that thrives on collaboration. Often embedded within client organisations, we work closely to understand their challenges and co-create practical, future-ready solutions. Our mix of practical and technical expertise, organisational understanding and strategic insight means we’re often called in to troubleshoot difficult or high-profile projects. We are equally comfortable operating at the strategic, executive level as we are at the practical and tactical level getting hands when required.

With flexible UK locations and occasional international travel, you’ll join a team that values entrepreneurial thinking, fresh ideas, and a sharp eye for opportunities, helping to future-proof rail operations and act as a strategic enabler for our clients.

Our Services

Strategic Asset Management

• Development of Asset Management Policies & Strategies,

  • Development of Maintenance Strategies & Plans,

  • Development of AMPs & SAMPs,

  • Whole Life Cost Analysis,

  • Outcome & Value Assessments,

  • Decision Making & Investment Prioritisation,

  • Asset Management Maturity Growth.

Project Lifecycle Delivery

• Maintainability, Reliability & Accessibility assessments and requirements definition,

  • Whole project lifecycle maintenance advice,

  • Project assurance & acceptance,

  • Asset delivery & commissioning.

Performance Improvement & Organisational Transformation

• PRAMS analysis,

  • Maintenance and Process Optimisation,

  • Organisational Transformation,

  • Asset Condition Assessments & Audits,

  • Data Information Management Improvements,

  • Residual Life Assessments,

  • CAPEX & OPEX Investment Optimisation,

  • Process & Management Coaching,

  • Lean / Efficiency Change.

Risk Management & Future Ready (Continuous Improvement & Innovation)

• Climate Resilience, 

  • Safety Case Development,

  • FMEA & QRA 

  • New and Novel Product Acceptance,

  • Continuous Improvement,

• Asset Vulnerability Analysis.
   

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and evolve Asset Management strategies in line with organisational goals and Asset Management standards/best practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary engineering teams to align designs with requirements and key strategic objectives.
• Develop Asset Management and Maintenance strategies for rail organisations.
• Developing, maintaining and optimising Asset Management, Maintenance and Renewal plans for multidisciplinary assets.
• Conducting and reviewing whole life cost models & asset management plans. 
• Coordinating PRAMS analysis, condition assessments, and risk-based maintenance planning.
• Support the integration of digital asset management systems.
• Facilitate workshops with clients and delivery partners.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Asset Management, Rail Systems, or a related field.
• Chartered Engineer with a Professional Engineering Council, such as, IMechE, IET, IEE, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of Asset Management principles and standards (ISO 55000, ISO 55001 & ISO 55002)
• In depth experience in maintaining one or more of the following classical railway system disciplines (asset classes), Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, or Rail Signalling Maintenance.
• Experience in managing the maintenance of one or more of the following classical railway system disciplines (asset classes), Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, or Rail Signalling Maintenance.
• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, regulatory frameworks, and digital tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in asset data analytics, modelling and reporting.
• Proven experience working independently across multiple projects.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with clients and project teams.
• Ability to build relationships and work with resources and teams across the business (regionally and internationally)
• Proven experience of asset management and lifecycle delivery ideally within transport, rail or infrastructure sectors (dependant on grade)
• Professional certifications in Asset Management such as IAM certificate/diploma are highly desirable.
• Experience working on major rail programmes (e.g. HS2, East West Rail, TfL, Network Rail)
• Knowledge of sustainability and resilience in rail asset management
• Experienced in the technical development and mentoring of people in asset management.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications:

• Professional certifications in Asset Management such as IAM certificate/diploma are highly desirable.
• Experience working on major rail programmes (e.g. HS2, East West Rail, TfL, Network Rail)
• Knowledge of sustainability and resilience in rail asset management.
• Experienced in the technical development and mentoring of people in asset management.
• Maintenance experience in one of the following Rail disciplines: Electrical & Traction Power, Signalling Systems & Stations.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

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We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.