Associate Director – Project Planning

Overview

In this role, you will lead and shape project controls within AECOM’s Integrated Program Controls Team. You’ll guide planning, scheduling, risk, and analytics to drive project performance across medium to high complexity programmes. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, implement best practices, and foster continuous improvement to enhance delivery and client value. The role offers influence over strategy and team development, with a focus on integrating planning with wider programme outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid work options
• comprehensive benefits and well-being programs
• global exposure and career development
• equal opportunity employer
• competitive compensation
• access to industry-leading technology

Responsibilities

• Promote team integration and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead planning workshops and build buy-in across project teams
• Perform impact analysis and monitor schedule variance
• Apply advanced planning/scheduling methods and tools
• Advise on complex requirements and communicate corrective actions
• Manage planning/scheduling for medium/high complexity projects
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in plan creation and trend analysis
• Develop and maintain scheduling management systems and procedures
• Manage staffing, resourcing, and professional development
• Support senior management in deal negotiations and business development
• Deliver clear schedule inputs and basic commentary through validation and reporting
• Set a strategic vision and drive future-focused planning initiatives
• Persuade and influence colleagues and stakeholders
• Identify and analyze business risks
• Build and lead a high-performing team
• Deliver persuasive client presentations and win work
• Champion continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
• Engage in innovation and technology adoption in project controls

Key requirements

• Strong knowledge of scheduling best practices and associated software
• Experience delivering planning services for projects and programmes
• Ability to manage scheduling delivery for complex programmes
• Leadership and staff development experience
• Excellent attention to detail in schedule management inputs and reporting
• Experience with contract negotiations, due diligence, and business development (advantage)
• Client-focused with strong communication skills
• Degree education preferred (not strictly required)
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as Oracle Primavera, MS Project, Asta Power Project, PowerBI, Excel, Acumen Fuse

• collaboration
• communication
• leadership
• planning/scheduling
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• project controls methodologies

…