Program Management Director - Aviation

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Program Director, Airport (Airfield Infrastructure & Airside Systems) to join our team.

This position is a replacement and is based on-site, out of Mississauga. We are seeking a senior aviation infrastructure leader to support delivery of one of the most advanced, resilient, and operationally complex airport capital programs in Canada, with primary accountability for airfield and airside infrastructure delivered within a live airport operating environment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Accountable for end-to-end delivery of the Airport Airfield Infrastructure Program, ensuring alignment with approved scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, and risk objectives. • Provides executive leadership to the Airfield Program Delivery team, fostering a high-performance, safety-driven culture across multiple concurrent airside work packages. • Leads delivery of airfield and airside infrastructure, including but not limited to: – Runways, taxiways, shoulders, blast pads, and airfield pavements
  • Aprons, hardstands, aircraft parking positions, and GSE circulation areas
  • Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) systems, including CCRs, vaults, and lighting control systems
  • Airfield electrical distribution, field power infrastructure, substations, and duct banks
  • Navigational and visual aids (NAVAIDs), signage, and guidance systems
  • Airfield grading, drainage, stormwater systems, and associated enabling works
• Ensures all airfield works comply with: – Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) regulations and advisory material – CARs, TP312, and applicable standards – NAV CANADA operational, technical, and commissioning requirements – Airport Authority (e.g., GTAA) airside standards, SMS requirements, and operational procedures
• Manages interfaces with airport operations, airside safety, emergency services, and maintenance teams to maintain safe and continuous airport operations during construction. • Leads coordination with NAV CANADA, airlines, and airport stakeholders on construction phasing, operational constraints, night work, closures, and commissioning activities. • Develops and implements the airfield program governance model, execution strategy, and decision-making framework appropriate for a highly regulated, operationally constrained environment.
• Oversees contractor and consultant performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations related to scope, cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational readiness. • Manages risk, issue resolution, and change control through formal governance processes, including escalation to the Change Management Board and Executive Capital Committee as required. • Leads monthly Airfield Program Progress Reviews, reporting performance, safety, and operational metrics to the Program Delivery Director and executive stakeholders. • Oversees preparation of executive-level briefings addressing airfield program status, safety performance, operational impacts, regulatory interfaces, and strategic risks. • Interfaces with PMO Services and Technical Shared Services to ensure appropriate technical expertise, discipline integration, and resource planning across civil, electrical, and airfield specialty domains. • Ensures timely preparation and issuance of monthly progress reports and maintains accurate performance dashboards within the PMIS. • Collaborates with other Program Directors to ensure alignment and integration across terminal, landside, and enabling infrastructure programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

In order to be considered for this position, candidates must possess no less than:

• University degree + EXTENSIVE or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 6 years of leadership on large scale airport projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional designation in engineering, construction management, program management, or related aviation discipline is a strong asset.
• Typically brings 20+ years of professional experience, including 15+ years in senior program or portfolio management leadership roles.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience delivering large-scale airport airfield, airside, or aviation infrastructure programs, or equivalent complex infrastructure programs valued in excess of CAD $2 billion.
• Demonstrated expertise delivering runway, taxiway, apron, and airfield systems projects within live airport environments.
• Strong working knowledge of Canadian aviation regulatory frameworks, including Transport
• Canada oversight, NAV CANADA interfaces, and airport authority governance.
• Proven experience managing construction and commissioning activities while maintaining airside safety, airfield availability, and operational continuity.
• Ability to lead and coordinate large, multi-disciplinary teams across civil, electrical, systems, and specialty airfield functions.
• Comprehensive understanding of the full asset lifecycle—planning, design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance—within major airport environments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in managing senior stakeholder relationships, including airport executives, regulators, operations leadership, and airline representatives.
• Experience leading or influencing high-value contract negotiations and complex commercial arrangements.
• Strong understanding of collaborative delivery models such as Progressive Design-Build, Early Contractor Involvement, and Target Price or alliance-style contracting.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to facilitate complex technical and operational discussions and support executive-level decision-making.

Additional Information

This position requires work on-site/out of the office 5 days a week.

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.