Program Management Director, Aviation

Company Description

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Work with Us. Change the World.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

Job Description

Role Purpose / Summary

The Aviation Program Director provides senior leadership and strategic oversight for the successful delivery of large and very large aviation programmes of significant strategic value. These programmes may include airport development, terminal expansion or revitalisation, airside and landside infrastructure, aviation systems, and enabling utilities delivered within live operational environments.
The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for critical Aviation pursuits and to support long‑term succession planning for our active programs, ensuring experienced program leadership is in place to transition seamlessly from pursuit through delivery.
The role sets the overall direction for the programme, establishing the governance structures, delivery environment, and management systems required to achieve client, passenger, and operational outcomes. Acting as the primary leader for programme‑wide integration and performance, the Aviation Program Director oversees functional leads across all aspects of delivery to ensure coordinated, safe, compliant, and efficient execution. The role promotes innovation, digital integration, and sustainability while fostering a collaborative, high‑performing, and safety‑led culture. The Director also contributes to talent development, capability building, and organisational knowledge sharing within the aviation sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and strategic direction across the full aviation programme lifecycle, ensuring alignment with airport operator objectives, airline and passenger needs, regulatory requirements, and organisational priorities.
• Establish and maintain robust programme governance frameworks to enable effective decision‑making, assurance, and executive oversight in safety‑critical aviation environments.
• Direct and integrate senior delivery leaders accountable for technical, commercial, operational readiness, stakeholder, and systems delivery across the programme.
• Lead programme initiation and mobilisation activities, including delivery strategy development, staging and phasing planning, and the implementation of programme systems, controls, and tools.
• Oversee programme‑wide compliance with aviation safety, security, quality, environmental, and technical standards, including applicable national and international aviation regulations.
• Manage key relationships with airport authorities, airlines, regulators, operators, delivery partners, suppliers, and internal business leaders, acting as the principal point of contact for the programme.
• Ensure robust management of programme risk, change, interfaces, dependencies, and operational impacts, particularly within live airport operating environments.
• Provide senior commercial leadership, including contract strategy, supplier and alliance management, financial governance, performance reporting, and cost control.
• Champion innovation, digital aviation systems, smart construction techniques, and sustainability initiatives to enhance delivery efficiency, resilience, and long‑term asset performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop programme leadership and delivery teams, supporting high performance, capability development, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
• Contribute to work‑winning activities by providing aviation programme expertise, supporting bids and client engagements, and strengthening strategic client relationships.
• Represent the organisation within aviation industry forums, client advisory roles, and professional networks, supporting broader aviation programme management capability‑building initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, construction management, aviation, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 15 years’ professional experience delivering major aviation projects and programmes, with significant leadership responsibility for large, complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives.
• Proven experience delivering programmes within live operational airport environments, managing complex staging, operational interfaces, and regulatory constraints.
• Demonstrated capability integrating multidisciplinary teams across technical, commercial, operational readiness, and stakeholder management functions.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety culture, regulatory compliance, assurance, and governance expectations.
• Professional programme or project management certification (e.g. PgMP, APM, PMI, CCM or equivalent) preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Leadership of complex airport programmes involving terminal expansion or revitalisation, airside infrastructure, utilities, systems upgrades, or airport‑wide transformation initiatives.
• Track record of establishing and leading programme governance and assurance frameworks in highly regulated, safety‑critical environments.
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills across airport owners, airlines, regulators, joint venture partners, designers, and contractors.
• Experience working within collaborative or progressive delivery models (e.g. progressive design‑build, alliances, integrated delivery models).
• Demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and retain high‑performing aviation programme leadership teams.
• Engagement with aviation industry bodies, professional associations, or internal centres of excellence and thought‑leadership initiatives.

Additional Information

You will join a global organisation recognised for delivering high‑impact, complex programmes that shape industries, communities, and client outcomes. As Program Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a major initiative from strategy through delivery, supported by world‑class expertise, innovative tools, and a collaborative culture. This role offers the chance to influence meaningful change, accelerate your leadership trajectory, and contribute to the advancement of our programme management capability.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $250,000 to $340,000.

Why Join Us

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About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public‑ and private‑sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to programme and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects – both in your local community and on a global scale – that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting‑edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award‑winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.