Group Leader - Rail

V3 Companies Ltd•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Join the V3 Team and take your career to the next level! We are seeking an experienced and respected industry leader to oversee the overall management, growth, and professional development of our rail design team. This role will focus on delivering high‑quality design engineering services for projects involving rail corridor improvements, grade separations, rail crossings, yard and facility upgrades, and intermodal site development for Class I freight railroads, passenger rail and transit agencies, and short‑line operators. In addition, this individual will serve as the firmwide rail design technical lead, responsible for establishing best practices, advancing technical excellence, and supporting rail design growth across all regions. This role will work most closely with the team in the Illinois Region, where most of our rail expertise exists. About Us V3 is more than just a place to work. It is a place where you can make an impact, build your skills, create your path and dive into meaningful, rewarding work that is challenging, inspiring and fun! As an employee-owned, multi-disciplined engineering consulting firm, we transform communities. Our diverse array of specialties includes civil and structural engineering, contracting, environmental, planning, landscape architecture and surveying services. We believe in excellence in all we do and have an unwavering commitment to success. We have over 475 employees, with offices in six states and two in Canada. We are a growing firm and that creates exciting opportunities for our staff!

Requirements

15+ years of experience successfully leading rail design projects for Class I Railroads, passenger rail, and transit agencies.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Established railroad industry relationships.

Nice To Haves

PE/BSCE strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide day‑to‑day leadership of the Illinois Rail Design team, including setting goals, establishing priorities, and assigning staff to projects.
Ensure technical excellence and successful delivery of all rail design services.
Execute annual business plan objectives related to profitability, resource allocation, utilization, A/R management, and employee engagement.
Oversee project performance to ensure deadlines, budgets, and financial targets are consistently met.
Manage client relationships, including oversight of billings and collections.
Serve as project manager for rail design projects or as the rail discipline lead on multidisciplinary transportation or land development projects.
Support staff growth by prioritizing professional development, mentoring, and training initiatives.
Provide oversight on the development of scopes, schedules, budgets, and quality management procedures for the rail design team.
Lead recruitment and retention efforts to build and maintain a strong, high‑performing team.
Responsible for the health and safety of all activities in the group.
Collaborate with group leaders across all V3 offices to support multidisciplinary project delivery and strategic pursuits.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of design work completed by others.
Serve as the firmwide rail design technical lead, responsible for establishing best practices and supporting pursuits and recruitment efforts across regional offices.
Responsible for staying abreast of current technical advancements and technology and innovation in the delivery of rail design services.
Contribute to firmwide initiatives, corporate committees, and long-term value creation for the firm as appropriate.
Drive business development efforts to grow the rail practice and maintain strong project backlog.
Participate on sales teams to strategically position the rail group for new opportunities
Lead marketing and networking efforts with clients, including direct outreach and relationship development.
Lead the proposal development process for new project pursuits
Strengthen and expand relationships with Class I railroads and public‑sector clients through active participation in industry events and professional associations.
Participate in business planning activities and strategy initiatives.