Shape a future with purpose at Arup in Germany
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
The opportunity
As Major Projects Director within our Infrastructure Design Services team in Germany, you will play a pivotal leadership role in the delivery of one of Europe’s most significant transport infrastructure programmes. Your primary focus will be to act as Project Director for Arup’s role on the Fehmarnbelt/Fehmarnsund programme, providing senior leadership to multidisciplinary delivery teams, strengthening relationships with key clients and partners, and representing Arup at the highest level in the German infrastructure market. Over time, and typically after the first 6–12 months, the role is expected to transition towards taking over the Business Leader Rail role in Germany.
Your location can be Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Berlin or Munich, with flexible, self-organised working arrangements that can include partial remote working. Regular travel to project, client and partner locations in Germany and internationally should be expected.
What you can expect
Acting as Project Director for Arup’s contribution to the Fehmarnbelt programme, including the detailed design and multidisciplinary coordination of a nationally and internationally significant road and rail infrastructure link.
Providing senior leadership across complex project delivery, ensuring technical excellence, commercial discipline, risk management, quality, programme performance and effective governance.
Representing Arup externally at senior level with DB, DEGES, contractors, joint venture partners, alliance partners and other key stakeholders in the German and European transport infrastructure market.
Acting as a senior figure for internal delivery teams, creating clarity, confidence and alignment across disciplines, locations and partners while enabling teams to perform at their best.
Building on Arup’s long-standing involvement in the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, helping to deliver infrastructure that strengthens connectivity between Germany, Denmark, Scandinavia and Central Europe.
Supporting and, after an appropriate transition period of approximately 6–12 months, taking over the Business Leader role for Rail in Germany, including business planning, client development, people leadership and growth of the rail service offering.
Contributing to Arup’s wider impact in Germany by strengthening our position as a trusted advisor and delivery partner for complex, sustainable and future-oriented infrastructure programmes.
Does this role inspire you?
Nobody is perfect, and every career path is different. We look forward to receiving your application, even if you do not meet all of our requirements:
Substantial senior leadership experience in major infrastructure design and delivery, ideally including complex rail, road, tunnel, bridge, station or multidisciplinary transport programmes.
A proven track record as Project Director, Project Executive, Design Director or senior delivery leader on large-scale, high-value and high-complexity projects.
Strong understanding of the German infrastructure market, including experience working with major public clients, rail organisations, contractors, consultants and joint venture or alliance delivery models.
Credibility and confidence to engage externally at senior level with DB, contractors, partners and other market stakeholders, with the ability to build trust, resolve complexity and represent Arup with authority.
Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including distributed teams working across offices, disciplines and partner organisations.
Commercial acumen, strong project governance skills and experience managing risk, contractual interfaces, quality, programme performance and client expectations on complex assignments.
A university degree in engineering, transport, infrastructure, construction management or another relevant technical discipline; chartered or equivalent professional status would be an advantage.
Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in senior client, partner and leadership settings.
Why this role matters
The Fehmarnbelt and Fehmarnsund links are among the most important transport infrastructure programmes connecting Germany, Denmark, Scandinavia and Central Europe. The programme combines road and rail infrastructure, including immersed tunnel solutions, and supports the wider European ambition to improve cross-border mobility, reduce travel times between Hamburg and Copenhagen, strengthen the TEN-T corridor and enable more sustainable movement of people and freight. This role offers the opportunity to lead from the front on a project of exceptional technical, strategic and reputational significance for Arup in Germany.
Benefits that work for you:
- Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to enhance your skills and advance your career at Arup.
- Global Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues worldwide and explore potential short-term or long-term assignments at other Arup offices and project locations.
- Financial Well-being & Ownership: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package and share in Arup's success through our global profit-sharing programme.
- Flexible Working: flexible working arrangements are available to support your financial, physical, and mental well-being.
- Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an inclusive, innovative environment where your individuality is celebrated , and creativity is encouraged.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You'll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please visit our Candidate Support page for contact information and assistance. We're happy to help.
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