Railroad Public Projects Manager Real Estate & Contracts

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job!

Railroad Public Projects Manager – Real Estate & Contracts

Benesch is in search of a highly motivated, detail-oriented Real Estate Public Projects Manager to support and manage public and private projects. This role blends real estate contract management with railroad operations, focusing on compliance, risk mitigation, and project execution.

The ideal candidate will have 3 or more years of experience in real estate or contract management, preferably within the transportation or infrastructure sector. A strong understanding of agreements, public-private partnerships, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations is essential. Proficiency in contract management software and knowledge of railroad operations are highly desirable.

Location:

Benesch’s Railroad Division is made up of highly skilled rail professionals, many of whom are former employees of operating railroads. This firsthand experience working on designing and maintaining active rail systems uniquely equips our team to develop innovative solutions to a wide variety of rail projects. 

The Impact You Will Have

• Support Benesch’s Railroad team by managing day-to-day real estate and track agreements, including public projects and industrial track portfolios


• Draft, review, and process engineering agreements, lease and license agreements, service letters, and supplemental documents


• Assist with the development of engineering agreements, supplemental agreements, master agreements and other related documents


• Ensure all agreements meet railroad authority requirements and comply with applicable regulations


• Coordinate with clients, municipalities, railroads, legal teams, and internal project managers to move agreements forward


• Identify active tracks without current agreements and work with internal teams to close documentation gaps


• Research track ownership, usage, and maintenance responsibilities to support contract accuracy and risk reduction


• Maintain detailed records of all active and historic agreements using systems like and Benesch’s internal platforms


• Ensure consistency and accuracy of data across agreements, billing, and internal reporting systems


• Prepare and issue standard invoices, follow up on unpaid rents, and ensure billing aligns with contract terms


• Assist with budget tracking and revenue forecasting tied to track leases and public project agreements 

What We Are Looking For

• HS Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.


• 3+ years of experience in real estate, public infrastructure, or contract management.


• Strong knowledge of real estate documents, public infrastructure agreements, or railroad contracts.


• Familiarity with regulations and procedures for public-private transportation projects.


• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.


• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of contract management tools is a plus.


• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.


• Map interpretation, document research, and database fluency preferred. #LI-AG1 

Why Benesch

It’s simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

• Career growth that’s real with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward


• Strong financial future with up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees


• Flexibility that works with schedules that support your life


• Time to recharge with generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees


• Support beyond work through mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one

Whether you’re starting your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll have the support and exposure to grow here.

Explore our full benefits here: Click here 

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch's Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [email protected]. This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

Know your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal 

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is found.

External Recruiters and Staffing Agencies

Benesch shall have no obligation to compensate any external recruiter or search firm for candidate submissions made without a valid, current, and fully executed agreement. Submission of candidate information does not establish entitlement to a fee.

All recruiting activity must be coordinated and authorized through the Benesch Talent Acquisition team. Please direct all communications to [email protected]