Eloise Samuelson

Research & Delivery Consultant
es@newsomconsulting.co.uk

Director - Design Joint Venture

Sector: Rail

Location: Canada

Description

Our client, a leading international engineering firm, is seeking a Director to take on the top leadership position within a Design Joint Venture consortium of a major multi-$billion rail project in Canada, entering a critical phase of planning and design. A dedicated Design Joint Venture (DJV) has been established to lead this phase, bringing together multiple delivery partners under a unified structure.

This Director position will serve as the senior-most representative of the DJV, responsible for overall leadership, strategy, and coordination of all design activities. This individual will oversee multidisciplinary teams and be accountable for meeting complex technical, contractual, and programme requirements. As the face of the DJV, the Director will work closely with the client and key stakeholders to ensure successful execution and alignment throughout the co-development phase.

This is a rare and high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the delivery of one of the most significant rail infrastructure projects in the country.

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide overall leadership and direction for the Design JV, ensuring coordination across all design disciplines.
  • Oversee the preparation, integration, and submission of all key design deliverables in alignment with programme objectives.
  • Collaborate closely with delivery partners, client representatives, and other stakeholders throughout the planning and development phases.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual, technical, and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage design progress against key milestones and budgets, addressing risks and issues proactively.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performance environment across partner organisations.
  • Represent the Design JV in all formal stakeholder interactions.

 

Requirements

  • Minimum 20 years’ experience in infrastructure design and delivery, with at least 10 years in senior design management roles within the rail or transportation sector.
  • Proven track record of managing complex, multidisciplinary design programmes in large infrastructure settings.
  • Experience working within collaborative delivery models such as joint ventures, alliances, or alternative contract structures.
  • Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) designation or equivalent international certification.
  • Familiarity with integrated transport systems, including interface and interoperability considerations.
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
  • Bilingual capabilities (French/English) are considered an asset.
  • Prepared to relocate to Canada, please note Relocation and Visa assistance would be provided by the employer.

 

This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to a high-profile national infrastructure initiative. The successful candidate will join an experienced and forward-thinking team, playing a central role in shaping the future of rail infrastructure delivery.