Director of Operations Buildings + Places

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Job Description

AECOM Canada is seeking a Director of Operations for the Buildings & Places Business Line

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and partnering with the Regional Business Line Leader (“RBLL”) for Buildings & Places, the Director of Operations (“DOO”) is responsible for planning and directing operations for the Buildings & Places 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. This is a replacement position and may be based in any of our offices across Canada.

AECOM’s Buildings & Places team brings together a versatile and collaborative team of planning, design, and engineering professionals working to create livable, sustainable and equitable cities. Our extensive expertise covers urbanism and planning architecture and interiors, building and systems engineering, and cost and project management. Together with our clients, we are working to evolve and elevate the built environment across sectors including social infrastructure, transportation and civil infrastructure, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long-term health and wellbeing for all.

Listing of Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Implementation

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

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 Operations 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 Operations 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 Operations Managers to identify and implement strategies to maximize NSR, EBITA, and cash flow metrics.

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. 

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 Business Line and Region through attendance at key industry and community events.

Corporate and Regional Initiatives

• Support and drive Corporate, Region, and Business Line initiatives and policies.

Performance Analysis and Collaboration

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

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

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

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Building Engineering, Planning or related field and 12 years of relevant experience in the Design and Building industry, including 4 years of leadership experience. Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered.

Preferred

Qualifications

• 15 years of increased supervisory, management and operational/financial experience. Industry related experience is essential.
• Strongly preferred experience in the Design and Building industry including alternative contracting - integrated project delivery, P3, Alliance
• 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
• Proven delivery as Project Manager on large complex projects and/or programs. PMP certification is an asset.
• 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.