Head of Rail Strategy

The Head of Rail Strategy & Development will be responsible for driving growth, expanding the client base, and enhancing the technical consulting portfolio of the team. This role will focus primarily on business development, revenue generation, and long-term positioning of the Railroad Practice in the marketplace with corresponding reduced billable hour expectations. This leader will work closely with consultants, practice leadership and senior leadership to identify new markets, cultivate client relationships, and develop innovative service offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Railroad Practice, targeting year-over-year revenue increases.
• Identify new clients, markets, and opportunities for expansion within the rail industry, including operations, simulation, dynamics, and regulatory consulting.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with Class I railroads, short lines, industry associations, law firms, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with practice leaders to develop new service offerings and technical capabilities aligned with client needs and industry trends.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
• Track and analyze market trends to inform practice strategy and positioning.
• Mentor consultants in business development skills and client engagement.
• Contribute to brand-building through conference participation, publications, and professional outreach.
• Maintain billable contribution through selected consulting projects, while prioritizing and focusing on revenue growth and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications
Experience Requirements:

• 12 years of professional experience in railroad consulting, operations, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and revenue growth.
• Familiarity with technical consulting services in simulation, vehicle dynamics, operating practices, or regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication skills for both technical and executive-level audiences.

Education Requirements

• Masters degree in relevant field or prior experience.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with data analysis for train handling or operations review preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Professional Certifications or FRA qualifications desirable.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee will be required to stand, crawl sometimes in confined spaces, walk on uneven work surfaces or elevated areas such as roofs and balconies, climb ladders, sit, and occasionally lift up to 50#.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee will be exposed to while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing inspections in exterior, interior, rooftop, crawl space, attic space, water structures, inspections from a small boat, along with typical office-related work. The work will involve performing these duties out of doors from time to time in extreme and varied climate conditions.

t is the policy of ESI, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best qualified individuals available, without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. ESI is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities, as well as veterans. If you need assistance with completing the electronic application, please email your request to 

Salary : $120,000 - $250,000