Aviation Client & Programme Director

Overview

In this role you will shape and execute the UK & Ireland aviation growth strategy, positioning AECOM as a trusted long-term partner for major clients. You will lead pursuit and capture of flagship opportunities, manage executive client relationships, and oversee delivery of complex aviation programmes. The position offers cross-border collaboration with global teams to unlock opportunities and strengthen client confidence, driving sustainable growth and a standout market reputation. You will work closely with diverse stakeholders to deliver high-impact outcomes for aviation clients and communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the three-year growth strategy for the Aviation Sector in the UK & Ireland and convert priority market opportunities
• Own and execute an executive-level client engagement plan for key aviation clients
• Lead pursuit and capture of major aviation opportunities (typically >$5M) from early engagement to procurement
• Direct end-to-end work winning, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to develop compelling proposals
• Develop winning strategies leveraging global capability, technical excellence and programme delivery
• Implement and optimise the hybrid Enterprise Capability and home-country delivery model
• Expand AECOM’s aviation profile via industry engagement and thought leadership
• Collaborate with global Aviation and Transportation teams to unlock cross-border opportunities
• Act as executive client sponsor for key aviation accounts and major programmes
• Build trusted relationships with owners, operators, contractors and partners to drive repeat business
• Develop account growth plans expanding services across programmes and portfolios
• Champion exceptional client experience using feedback to improve performance
• Provide executive oversight of major aviation programmes ensuring successful delivery
• Ensure project performance in schedule, cost, quality, governance and risk management
• Drive sales bookings, pipeline, revenue growth, margins, cashflow and governance
• Deliver programmes safely, sustainably and profitably while creating growth opportunities
• Foster collaboration across Transportation, Business Lines and regions to maximise opportunities
• Develop future leaders and capability in client management, capture leadership and delivery
• Support strategic workforce planning to align with market demand
• Champion safety, wellbeing and sustainability in client engagements and programmes

Key requirements

• Proven success in pursuing and converting major infrastructure opportunities and winning strategic programmes
• Established relationships within the aviation sector with credibility with operators, owners, contractors and partners
• Experience developing client strategies, growing key accounts and securing repeat business
• Extensive experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure programmes
• Strong commercial acumen with track record of profitability and growth management
• Experience operating in a global organisation and leveraging international capability
• Inspirational leadership and ability to develop high-performing teams
• Visible advocate for safety, sustainability, innovation and client excellence

• Leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Relationship building
• Multidisciplinary infrastructure programme delivery
• Commercial performance management
• Risk governance and project governance

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