Director of Operations

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM Canada is seeking a Director of Operations for the Environment Business Line, this is an existing position.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and partnering with the Regional Business Line Leader (“RBLL”) for Environment, the Director of Operations (“DOO”) is responsible for planning and directing operations for the Environment Business Line (“BL”) in Canada Region providing operational, project delivery, and technical leadership. The scope of this role includes business and organizational leadership, project management and delivery oversight, quality and technical excellence, client satisfaction, safety, resource allocation, and employee development and training.

The DOO works with the RBLL to drive strategic alignment between Environment and Energy priorities to support coordinated growth and integrated solutions, ensures clear communication of regional strategy, and establishes consistent performance metrics. The DOO advances the tactical plan to support joint Environment and Energy growth initiatives, maintains accountability for operational performance, and champions strong client relationships through integrated, safe, high quality, multi-disciplinary delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Work with the RBLL to identify, develop, and implement Canada Environment’s objectives and strategies, including setting appropriate KPIs, guidelines, and targets to ensure ownership and accountability.

• Provide a broad business perspective and be a constructive co-leader in the overall management of the BL.

Staff Development and Retention, Organizational Design, Organizational Structure

• Select and implement strategies for staff development, mentorship, and retention, with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Build and coach a team of high-performing Department Managers and Project Directors who demonstrate a strong focus on clients, a commitment to excellence and innovation, strong employee engagement and operate on a selfless “best for the company” philosophy.

• Support Department Managers in setting and achieving business and personal development goals.

• Optimize organization structure to meet our internal needs and growth objectives.

Operational, Financial, Risk and Project Delivery Management

• Responsible for ensuring people and structures are in place to ensure strong project delivery and client service: project oversight, staffing, workload balancing, and technical work in accordance with client expectations, contract scope of work and budget, and company, professional, quality, safety, and legislative standards.

• Work with the Practice Leads and Department Managers to identify and implement strategies to maximize NSR, EBITA, and cash flow metrics.

• Implement necessary tools and processes to forecast future business needs, monitor actual business operations against objectives, identify and maximize operational opportunities, and mitigate risks.

• Partner with Finance to monitor project and P&L delivery performance and assess the future needs of the business to ensure annual financial goals and operational excellence are achieved. Hold oneself and team accountable for achievement of plan/outlook.

• Analyze operational performance by market sector and proactively identify areas of improvement, including analyzing key KPIs such as utilization, gross margin, SG&A, EBITA, and DSO.

• Provide the Leadership Team support in developing the annual budget and preparing the financial outlook and other financial performance forecasts.

Change Leadership

• Act as a change leader by identifying and successfully implementing changes needed in the business to respond to market expectations, client needs, and workforce needs. This includes processes, policies, tools, or staffing.

• Skilled at implementing organizational change initiatives. Implement strategies to ensure successful buy-in at all required levels in the organization to sustain a change. Communicate with staff to ensure initiatives are delivered and executed positively and effectively.

Project Execution, Client Service and Industry Leader

• Actively contribute to win strategies and successful project execution, being involved at a ‘hands-on’ level in key pursuits as needed and on projects should issues impacting client satisfaction or project management best practices escalate.

• Represent the BL and Region through attendance at key industry and community events.

Corporate and Regional Initiatives

• Support and drive Corporate, Region, and BL initiatives and policies.

• Ensure corporate and BL compliance with all AECOM requirements, such as quality, health & safety, ethics, financial, and professional practice requirements.

Performance Analysis and Collaboration

• Collaborate proactively and effectively within business lines and across regions to achieve collective goals.

• Develop and implement strategies to leverage our global resources to benefit our clients locally, and hire/develop/mentor project managers who can manage the complexity of global resource plans.

• Collaborate with the Global Environment BL on the delivery of business strategies and plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

In order to be considered for the position, candidates must have:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline and at least 12 years of relevant experience in the Design or Construction industry, including at least 4 years of leadership experience.

Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications and Capabilities

• 15 years of increased supervisory, management and operational/financial experience. Industry related experience is essential.

• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills, including strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience managing large teams of technical staff including management of leadership level staff.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify, develop and plan business strategy efforts and analyzing business results based on a strong understanding of the AEC industry.

• Change leader - Proven ability to identify changes that would improve the business and implement key initiatives in a manner which facilitates teamwork and goal attainment.

• Experience in Design, Environmental or Science industries.

• Proven delivery as Project Manager on large complex projects and/or programs

• Proven record of delivering work, managing teams, and development of a collaborative practice.

• Collaborative style; team player; demonstrates selfless behaviours

• Willingness to see opportunity and act with a sense of urgency when required.

• Ability to effectively prioritize competing demands while being decisive.

• Strategic mindset.

• Loves a challenge, but steady under pressure.

• Proven financial and operational acumen.

Additional Information

At 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 AECOM

AECOM 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.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.

ReqID: J10153598

Business Line: Environment

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: Canada

Career Area: Business Management

Work Location Model: Hybrid