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The Regional Aviation Planning Lead will work within Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina (TANS) to drive aviation practice growth, reinforce delivery quality, strengthen technical capabilities within the practice, leverage cross-business line and sector delivery resources, and represent AECOM with industry facing leadership. The role will appeal to someone who is highly motivated to lead and advance a successful aviation practice and who has strong connections and networks within the local aviation industry. This role will offer an excellent opportunity for development and collaboration with clients, federal, state, and municipality officials, industry associations, technical leaders, and project specialists in a dynamic work environment and a culture that is direct, supportive, and flexible. The Leader will work directly with TANS regional leadership/staff and collaborate regularly with the AECOM regional/global aviation team.

Core Responsibilities

Practice Growth and Sales

• Responsible for practice growth and for developing business strategy for sale of AECOM’s services to the regional Aviation sector, including key strategic customers and partners in TANS.
• Collaborating with the TANS Region leadership and Regional/Global Aviation teams.
• Works with the other business lines and market sector leaders in the region to ensure strategic business growth. Support other aviation capture managers in winning and delivering major engineering projects.
• Build strong relationships and interact with clients, teaming partners, industry groups, and stakeholders linked to the Aviation industry in the TANS region, serving as an ambassador for AECOM.
• Drawing on technical expertise, participates in the development of capture plans that conform to the business development strategy and technical capabilities.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Involved in collaboration with Aviation Engineering, Aviation Planning, B+P, Construction Management, and across business lines for aviation civil engineering services
• Develop and implement strategies for aviation projects that align with organizational goals, industry trends, and regulatory frameworks
• Build and structure technical delivery teams with appropriate skills for effective project delivery
• Identify key industry talent and hire key staff based on market strategy
• Expand upon existing strategies to drive organizational growth across the TANS aviation market
• Identify gaps in resources that inhibit growth and develop plans to address them

Quality and Project Delivery

• Active involvement at project level to either perform QCs or project audits (especially large or high-risk projects) to confirm that we are taking the correct steps and meeting our Standard Operating Procedures.
• Define and mitigate risks and commercial terms during the pursuit and contract execution process.
• Negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions, manage/contribute to achievement of sales goals, gross margin, backlog, and other financial and business goals.
• Serve as Principal in Charge or Project/Program Manager for key pursuits and projects in TANS that are of strategic importance.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Champion AI for project efficiency
• Support project management in accountability of financial performance and productivity during project delivery
• Work closely and coordinate with Regional Managers, Project Directors, Project Mangers, Commercial Managers, Legal/Contract and corporate finance during project delivery
• Work in close collaboration with commercial, contracts, finance, legal on the oversight and management of change management, scope in the course of delivery
• Demonstrate familiarity with typical contracts, legal and commercial terms impacting delivery of design work

Industry Involvement

• Represent AECOM at industry events and maintain regular check-ins with clients.
• Increase visibility and engagement at the industry and client levels as the National Engineer Lead.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as the primary liaison with the aviation industry partners
• Serve as the primary liaison with airport operators, federal agencies (e.g., FAA), state DOTs, consultants, and contractors to foster strong, collaborative relationships
• Build personal relationships with partner firms, clients and contractors in support of strategic initiatives

Culture Management and Recruiting

• Promote Aviation Practice within TANS. Engagement with the AECOM staff and shepherd a strong culture within the Aviation Engineering Practice.
• Assist in recruiting top talent at key locations and conduct office visits.
• Facilitate Aviation Practice calls

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Communication and collaboration nationally to strengthen experience / resumes
• Provide leadership to large teams made up of multiple planning/design groups for the aviation practice
• Inspire and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, project managers, and technical staff

Minimum:

• BA/BS plus 12 years of progressive experience in the aviation industry and airport infrastructure projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of FAA-funded airport engineering or planning experience, specifically at general aviation airports
• Direct relationships with airport directors and airport authority board members across at least one or two states in the TANS region
• Experience with State Block Grant Programs and/or direct FAA ADO relationships
• Familiarity with FAA AC 150-series standards, AIP grant administration, and Airport Layout Plan development
• Proven experience marketing and selling services to aviation clients.
• PE, AICP or other certification
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience including 4 years of project management in the aviation market sector
• Available to travel to clients and projects in the US Southeast. 

• Relocation is an option for this position. 

• We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship may be available for current visa holders in the United States                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

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.