Project Director – Major Projects & Federal Projects

Job Description

AECOM Buildings + Places is seeking a Project Director, Major Projects to join our federal government focused team and help develop our local presence in the national capital region. This new position is based out of our Ottawa office.

Responsibilities

• Building and nurturing relationships with existing and potential clients. Developing and managing strategic alliances to expand market reach and access.

• Lead the capture team on major multidisciplinary and alternative delivery pursuits in coordination with client account and portfolio managers, marketing department and operations.

• Develop strong client relationships and lead projects from beginning to end, to achieve the mandates’ goals and objectives

• Provides leadership over all aspects of the project and has accountability for the design including meeting projects requirements within the approved project parameters.

• Act as principle in charge, with hands on management, and have overall control and accountability for the overall delivery of services

• Will lead and present all design approval presentations as well as all preparatory presentations

• Professionally certify all consultants’ deliverables

• Lead program and project planning, scheduling and budgeting, consultant tendering and selection, operational readiness planning, and contract administration efforts

• Regularly report to the client on project status by means of schedule updates, meeting minutes, financial records and other reports

• Manage project staff allocated to your projects, peer reviewing their deliverables and continuously developing their knowledge and capabilities

• Manage project budgets and finances and complete monthly invoices and financial reporting as required.

• Chair client, project and site meetings, find resolution to issues and coordinate between multiple stakeholders

• Provide oversight and leadership to the change management process, payment certificates and other contract or project related administrative documents

• Ensure that client expectations and satisfaction are met or exceeded on all projects and the client’s best interests are represented with respect to contractual and technical issues

• Select and organize project teams and establish levels of authority and lines of communication

• Manages portfolio of clients with multiple projects with varying levels of complexity.

• Consistently delivers profit margins planned.

• Has decision-making authority and directs others in recognizing risk and uncertainty with plans to mitigate and eliminate risks. Directs staff to operate and minimize exposure to claims.

• Supervises and directs multiple project teams to exceed client and financial expectations.

Qualifications

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Licensed architect or engineer
• University degree in a relevant field
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience as a Project Director delivering major new build and capital improvement projects
• Strong, established relationships with federal government clients, built through consistent collaboration, understanding of their priorities, and a proven track record of successful project delivery
• Experience in alternative delivery models such as Design-Build and Construction Management for new construction and renovation projects valued at $25M+.
• Experience delivering complex projects involving:
  • Sustainable design and net-zero objectives
  • Controlled environments (e.g., S&T, laboratories, industrial facilities)
  • Biocontainment
  • Progressive security requirements
  • Complex programming and circulation systems
  • Multiple public and private stakeholders
• Either:
  • Hold a transferable Secret security clearance, or
  • Have 10 years of residency history in Canada

Preferred Requirements:

• 15+ years of experience in project management, including delivery of new build and capital improvement projects
• Experience with alternative delivery models such as Modified Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting winning proposals
• Strong knowledge of program and project planning, scheduling, budgeting, interior and base building construction methods, operational readiness, and contract administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English, as well as strong presentation skills
• Strong digital proficiency, including MS Project, Word, Excel, and familiarity with AI prompting tools
• Highly collaborative team player
• Assets: MBA, PMP certification, LEED AP accreditation

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position.

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.