National Director of Water Owner Advisory Services

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The National Director of Water Owner Advisory Services will be a Vice President and a senior leadership role within AECOM’s Global Water Business Line responsible for identifying, expanding and delivering collaborative project delivery as an Owner’s Advisor across the water and wastewater market across North America in addition to supporting global initiatives.

This role will be responsible for developing client strategies, supporting procurement, performing Client organizational readiness evaluations, and providing Client execution support for major water and wastewater programs utilizing collaborative delivery models such as Progressive Design-Build, Fixed-Price Design-Build, CMAR, DBO, and P3.

The position will require collaboration with regional business line leaders, PM/CM teams, and Client Account Managers to identify opportunities and grow market share while strengthening AECOM’s industry leadership position.

The individual in this role will report to the North America Water Design Build Director and be expected to perform the following:

• Support the continued growth of the Water Business Line Design Build practice through active and deliberate business development activities on projects involving Owner’s Advisory (OA) Services.
• Lead and support AECOM’s “execute with certainty” mindset by advising clients on selection, implementation and optimization of collaborative delivery models.
• Work with AECOM teams to educate clients and assist in the decision-making process inclusive of organizational readiness to become the Client’s trusted advisor and partner.
• Partner with our Program Management/Construction Management (PM/CM) teams to provide expert services to existing Clients that are considering collaborative delivery options.
• Work with AECOM staff and Client teams to effectively evaluate projects that would benefit from the collaborative delivery model.
• Participate in the response to Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals for Owner’s Advisor services for Collaborative Delivery projects (Fixed Price Design Build; Progressive Design Build; Design Build Operate; Construction Management at Risk; Public Private Partnerships)
• Serve as an executive sponsor and client relationship leader for strategic water utility and programmatic clients.
• Support major pursuits and the development of capture strategies for high-value Owner Advisor collaborative delivery opportunities.
• Support cross-business line collaboration with PM/CM, Transportation, and Global Water teams to expand integrated service delivery.
• Lead AECOM and Clients in the navigating the procurement strategy and contract structuring process for selecting a Collaborative Delivery team. This will include active participation in Client workshops, guidance in facilitating Market Soundings, risk tolerance exercises, development of Requests for Qualifications and scoring Criteria, development of Requests for proposals and scoring criteria, preferred contract basis, assistance in negotiating the scope and approach with the preferred collaborative delivery team.
• Support AECOM team(s) and Client(s) in the management of technical workshops, project and technical preferences, critical programmatic needs, commercial negotiations and GMP development, schedule considerations, early works packages, and establishment and review of core technical considerations.
• Conduct Client organizational readiness for collaborative delivery to promote successful outcomes for projects. Focus areas could include Owner governance and decision frameworks, , procurement challenges, legal expectations, proposed staffing needs and risk identification and mitigation strategies.
• Guide executive-level decision making related to delivery model selection, procurement strategy, and program governance.
• Strengthen AECOM’s external brand by representing the firm at national industry organizations such as DBIA and WCDA to promote industry best practices.
• Support projects throughout North America. Additionally, work with the Global water team to support opportunities and active projects. Capacity to travel abroad to support short-term assignments with prominent global clients.
• Mentor AECOM collaborative delivery staff/leaders and scale a high-performing national advisory team to implement enterprise-wide best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineer or related discipline) and 12+ years of progressive and collaborative leadership experience in water infrastructure delivery including 4 years of leadership, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• DBIA Certification
• Demonstrated experience, exposure, management and implementation of various forms of collaborative delivery models including FPDB, PDB, CMAR, DBO or P3, contract structure and risk management
• Established relationships across the water infrastructure market including utilities, contractors, consultants and equipment suppliers
• Strong understanding of regional and national collaborative delivery legislature and trends
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent)
• National or regional industry leadership involvement
• Experience advising owners on large-scale capital program delivery

• Sponsorship is not provided for this role

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.