Job DescriptionThe Program Director is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategy, direction, and success of a large, complex, and strategically significant program. The role sets the vision, shapes the delivery environment, and provides high-level oversight to ensure program outcomes are achieved in alignment with client objectives and organizational priorities. The Program Director guides senior leaders across all functions, ensuring integrated delivery, robust governance, and strong performance throughout the program lifecycle. The role drives innovation, digital advancement, and continuous improvement, while cultivating a high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and collaboration. It also plays a key role in developing organizational capability and strengthening the firm's market presence.
The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for critical program management 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.
Due to the nature of this role, the initial work location may be flexible. However, relocation to a program location may be required once a suitable program has been identified and awarded.
Current program locations is Dallas, TX.Key Responsibilities- Provide senior leadership and strategic direction for the program, ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory requirements, and long-term objectives.
- Establish, lead, and maintain the program's governance framework, enabling effective decision-making, assurance, and performance oversight across all workstreams.
- Direct and guide senior delivery leaders responsible for technical, commercial, stakeholder, and operational aspects of the program, ensuring coordinated and integrated outcomes.
- Shape the strategic approach to program initiation, defining delivery strategies, mobilization plans, and the systems and processes required for successful execution.
- Lead engagement with clients, partners, stakeholders, and senior internal leadership, representing the program with credibility and influence.
- Oversee design, delivery, and operational assurance frameworks, ensuring that teams maintain compliance, safety, quality, and technical integrity.
- Hold senior accountability for program-wide risk management, safety leadership, environmental stewardship, and quality outcomes.
- Provide strategic commercial oversight, including contract strategy, commercial governance, supplier relationships, and program financial performance.
- Champion innovation, digital strategy, and continuous improvement to enhance program effectiveness and long-term value.
- Develop and empower senior program management talent, fostering a high-performing leadership culture and supporting capability development and succession planning.
- Represent the program and organization in industry forums, strengthening reputation and fostering new opportunities.
- Identify and support strategic business development initiatives aligned with the program and broader market growth.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Typically 20+ years of experience, including substantial leadership roles on large or complex programs.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage high-value, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Professional certification (PgMP, APM-RPP, CCM or equivalent) preferred but not essential.
- Chartered or licensed professional status may be required depending on region.
Preferred Experience- Leadership of major programs with significant strategic impact, complexity, or public visibility.
- Experience designing and implementing program governance, assurance systems, and delivery models.
- Strong background in managing stakeholder, commercial, and risk environments across large organizations.
- Recognized industry contribution, thought leadership, or active involvement in professional associations.
- Experience driving organizational maturity, capability uplift, or transformation initiatives.
Additional InformationAt AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.
To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.About AECOMAECOM 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.
