Start here. Grow here.
AECOM is seeking a strategic, client-focused and commercially driven Aviation Client & Programme Director to lead the growth of our Aviation business across the UK & Ireland.
Reporting to the Sector Director and working closely with our global Transportation leadership, this is a market-facing leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the Aviation growth strategy, securing major opportunities, and developing long-term strategic client relationships. You will lead the pursuit and conversion of major programmes while ensuring successful delivery that strengthens client confidence, creates repeat business and enhances AECOM's reputation as a trusted aviation partner.
Success in this role will be measured by your ability to win strategic opportunities, grow key client accounts, build a sustainable pipeline, and lead the successful delivery of flagship aviation programmes.
Here's what you'll do:
Client Growth & Work Winning
- Lead the delivery of the Aviation Sector's three-year growth strategy across the UK & Ireland, identifying and converting priority market opportunities.
- Own the client engagement strategy for key aviation clients, developing executive-level relationships that position AECOM as a trusted long-term partner.
- Lead the pursuit, positioning and capture of major aviation opportunities (typically >$5M), including early engagement, influencing client strategies and shaping opportunities before procurement.
- Direct the end-to-end work winning process for strategic pursuits, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to develop compelling, differentiated proposals.
- Develop winning strategies that leverage AECOM's global capability, technical excellence and programme delivery expertise.
- Implement and optimise the hybrid Enterprise Capability (EC) and home-country delivery model to maximise competitiveness and delivery value.
- Expand AECOM's profile across the aviation market through active industry engagement, thought leadership and executive client relationships.
- Collaborate with global Aviation and Transportation teams to unlock cross-border opportunities and share capability, innovation and resources.
Strategic Client Leadership
- Act as AECOM's executive client sponsor for key aviation accounts and major programmes.
- Build trusted relationships with infrastructure owners, airport operators, contractors and delivery partners that generate repeat business and long-term growth.
- Develop account growth plans for strategic clients, identifying opportunities to expand AECOM's services across programmes and portfolios.
- Champion exceptional client experience, using client feedback and market insight to continuously improve performance and strengthen our competitive position.
Programme Delivery & Commercial Performance
- Provide executive oversight of major aviation programmes, ensuring successful delivery that reinforces client confidence and supports future work winning.
- Be accountable for the performance of Aviation-owned projects, ensuring excellence in:
- Schedule, cost and quality
- Commercial performance
- Project governance and risk management
- Client satisfaction
- Drive strong business performance across:
- Sales bookings and pipeline conversion
- Revenue growth and profitability
- Gross and net margins
- Cashflow and DSO
- Enterprise Capability utilisation
- High-quality project reporting and governance
- Ensure programmes are delivered safely, sustainably and profitably while creating opportunities for future growth.
Leadership & Capability
- Build a high-performing Aviation business capable of delivering sustained market growth.
- Foster collaboration across Transportation, Business Lines and global regions to maximise opportunities and strengthen integrated delivery.
- Develop future leaders and strengthen capability in client management, capture, bid leadership and programme delivery.
- Support strategic workforce planning to ensure capability aligns with market demand and growth ambitions.
Safety, Health, Environment & Wellbeing
- Champion a culture where safety, wellbeing and sustainability are fundamental to every client engagement and programme.
- Act as a visible safety leader across major pursuits and delivery programmes.
- Drive strong performance against leading and lagging SHE indicators while embedding best practice across project teams and partners.