Practice Lead - Freight Rail

About the Role

Worley is looking for an experienced rail consultant to take on the Freight Rail Practice Lead position within its Land Transport & Logistics service line for the EMEA region. The role reports to the Service Line Director and focuses on helping build and scale the freight rail business across the region. The position may be based in Madrid or Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Rail Practice within the Land Transport & Logistics business, with end-to-end ownership of business development, project delivery, performance, administration, and operational effectiveness.
• Work with PTL Hub leadership to align rail practice strategy and commercial growth plans.
• Help establish a regional freight rail center of expertise through targeted hiring, capability building, and mentoring.
• Provide technical and project leadership across areas such as rail network planning, freight design and operations, rail logistics, infrastructure development, intermodal connectivity, and asset optimization.
• Direct early-stage rail studies by collecting and analyzing data, identifying infrastructure gaps and opportunities, coordinating activities, tracking progress, preparing recommendations, and managing client communication.
• Support clients with subject matter expertise to define scope, develop proposals, and grow internal and external professional networks.
• Identify new business opportunities by collaborating across service lines such as Transport Planning, Logistics, Ports & Marine, and Master Planning & Facilities to design rail solutions that meet client needs.
• Use existing client relationships and the regional network to expand the freight rail client base and strengthen project capability.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with clients, rail operators, infrastructure owners, and other key stakeholders.
• Track market trends and industry developments to spot areas for innovation and process improvement.
• Represent Worley Consulting/Worley in rail-related forums, meetings, and seminars, ensuring rail expertise is involved early and rail system impacts are understood.
• Be prepared for occasional travel for client discussions or project-related needs.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Rail Engineering, Transportation, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent substantial experience in rail operations, planning, or consulting.
• Professional rail transport certification or active progress toward chartership.
• At least 15 years of experience in senior freight rail consulting, design, or operations roles, including delivery of freight rail studies, infrastructure planning/operations, and team leadership.
• Recognized industry authority in one or more freight rail disciplines.
• Strong client-facing, marketing, and business development capability for specialist freight rail consulting services.
• Solid knowledge of global freight rail trends, market forces, regulations, intermodal connectivity, transport challenges, and broader world affairs.
• Strong project management ability with a proven capacity to manage priorities, multiple projects, and deadlines.
• Excellent senior-level communication skills, both internally and externally.
• Ability to prepare business proposals by understanding client needs and drawing on multidisciplinary expertise.
• A collaborative approach that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Commitment to company policies and procedures covering rail management, including conduct, safety, compliance, and ethics.

Additional Information

Travel may be required from time to time for client meetings or project support.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

Worley promotes a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where people are valued and encouraged to contribute. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. The company aims to create an energizing environment that supports belonging, connection, innovation, reskilling, and growth toward low-carbon energy infrastructure and technology.

Worley encourages applicants with transferable skills and offers opportunities to broaden experience, explore different career paths, and contribute to sustainable change.