Job Description
Our award-winning AECOM Controls team within the Infrastructure & PMO Operating Unit is a trusted partner to public and private sector clients across the UK and globally, delivering Controls Analytics across Cost, Risk, Planning and Performance for major infrastructure and capital investment programmes.
The Opportunity : As part of our continued growth, we are seeking to recruit Project Directors to strengthen our leadership team. You will play a critical part in shaping and delivering Controls Analytics solutions, driving work‑winning, and developing our team and capability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Client Leadership
* Act as a trusted advisor to Programme Directors, Sponsors and senior client stakeholders.
* Provide strategic direction on controls analytics, PMO performance, and data‑driven decision‑making.
* Translate complex data and controls outputs into clear, actionable executive insights.
Delivery Oversight & Solution Leadership
* Lead the set‑up and oversight of Controls Analytics delivery across projects, programmes and portfolios.
* Define controls operating models, reporting frameworks, and governance structures.
* Provide direction and assurance to delivery teams (data engineers, analysts, controls specialists).
* Ensure solutions are fit‑for‑purpose, scalable, and aligned to client outcomes.
Controls Analytics and PMO Transformation
* Shape and implement integrated controls analytics approaches covering cost, schedule, risk, change and performance.
* Oversee the development of executive reporting, dashboards and KPI frameworks.
* Drive adoption of insight‑driven performance management and proactive intervention practices.
* Support clients in improving controls maturity, data quality and governance.
Work Winning & Business Development
* Play a leading role in bids, proposals and client pursuits.
* Develop and articulate compelling Controls Analytics propositions aligned to market needs.
* Identify and drive organic growth opportunities within existing client engagements.
* Build strong external relationships to enhance AECOM’s market presence.
Team & Capability Leadership
* Lead, mentor and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams.
* Foster a consultancy mindset, ensuring teams deliver value beyond core scope.
* Contribute to the development of methods, tools and accelerators.
* Support recruitment, succession planning and capability growth aligned to business strategy.
Risk, Change & Performance Insight Leadership
* Ensure integration of risk, contingency and scenario analytics into controls frameworks.
* Guide development of change analytics and forecasting models to support decision‑making.
* Enable clients to move from retrospective reporting to predictive and forward‑looking insights.
Qualifications
Here’s What We’re Looking For
* Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Data/Analytics or related discipline.
* Professional certifications (APM, PMI, MSP, RICS, AACE or similar) desirable.
* Typically 15+ years’ experience across project/programme controls, PMO leadership and/or consultancy.
Leadership & Consulting
* Proven experience operating at senior leadership level within complex programmes or consultancy environments.
* Strong track record in client engagement, influencing senior stakeholders and leading delivery teams.
* Commercial awareness with experience contributing to work‑winning and account growth.
Controls & Domain Expertise
* Deep understanding of project controls disciplines: cost, planning, risk, change and performance.
* Experience across major infrastructure or capital programmes in sectors such as transport, energy, water or defence.
* Strong appreciation of PMO delivery models and governance structures.
Analytics & Digital Understanding
* Strong understanding of controls analytics solutions, dashboards and performance frameworks.
* Familiarity with tools such as Power BI, Primavera P6, PRISM, Aconex and data architectures.
* Ability to guide teams on data integration, modelling and insight generation, without needing to build directly.
Additional Information
As part of the recruitment process, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in‑person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address [email protected] if you would like to apply through the DisabilityConfident Interview Scheme.
Primary Location: UK – Manchester, Level 4 – 100 Embank
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