Associate Vice President, Water / Wastewater Area Business Lead - Upstate New York
aecom2
Buffalo, NY, United States · Buffalo · United States
Posted Aug 21, 2026
- Full-time
- Hybrid
- Mid-Senior Level
aecom2
Buffalo, NY, United States · Buffalo · United States
Posted Aug 21, 2026
Company Description Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the worldâs most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. Job Description AECOM seeks a seasoned leader to anchor AECOM’s Upstate New York water and wastewater business. You will serve as our Client Account Manager (CAM) for cornerstone municipal utilities in Upstate New York, while leading the local practice across wastewater and water treatment, conveyance, and civil engineering. You will pair seller/doer leadership with people management, driving growth and delivery excellence, and serving as a strong, visible presence in our Buffalo office. This role targets an individual with deep technical credibility in water / wastewater systems and proven account leadership. This role will be based in Upstate New York, preferably the Buffalo or Rochester area and will follow a hybrid work arrangement to lead teams and engage clients. Will require local travel within New York and occasional regional travel as needed. Key Responsibilities: Client & Market Leadership • Lead strategic account planning for priority utilities: relationship mapping, growth plans, and opportunity roadmaps. • Shape pursuits from pre-positioning through negotiation: win themes, solution framing, pricing strategy alignment, and compliant, compelling proposals. • Anticipate and translate market drivers (SRF/WIIA, IIJA/BIL, PFAS, CSO/wet weather, climate resilience, digital/AI readiness) into client strategies and offerings. • Champion client satisfaction through proactive issue resolution and continuous feedback loops. Practice & People Leadership (Buffalo Office) • Serve as the visible practice leader: mentor, coach, and develop teams; drive recruiting, onboarding, and career pathways. • Manage resources, utilization, backlog health, staffing plans, and project delivery standards. • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-performance culture with strong in-office presence. Delivery Excellence • Partner with technical leaders to deliver planning, design, and program services for wastewater/water treatment and conveyance in dense urban systems. • Advance differentiation via digital delivery, asset management, sustainability/resilience, and program/IDIQ/task-order execution. Growth & Portfolio Health • Build a qualified pipeline, forecast pursuits, improve hit rates, and enforce go/no-go discipline. • Maintain CRM rigor, pursuit reporting, and portfolio hygiene aligned to regional targets. Success Metrics (first 12–18 months) • Account growth and improved hit rate on priority pursuits aligned to regional targets in Erie County. • New work with new clients in Monroe and Onondaga Counties • Robust, qualified pipeline with clear pre-positioning and capture plans. • High client satisfaction (surveys, repeat work, references). • Strong office performance: increase staffing levels, staffing stability, utilization, backlog health, and effective resource planning. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or related field + 10 years in municipal water/wastewater consulting, with proven success leading urban utility accounts or a demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education Strong technical grounding in wastewater treatment, water treatment, and water/wastewater conveyance for urban systems. Demonstrated wins on multi-year IDIQ/task-order, on-call, or capital program pursuits. Familiarity with New York public procurement and regulatory context; experience navigating SRF/WIIA and grant/loan programs. Preferred Qualifications PE in NY (or ability to obtain) strongly preferred; MS a plus. Experience in program/portfolio management, construction management, and digital delivery workflows. Background with wet weather/CSO, PFAS treatment, resilience planning, and utility modernization. Established Western New York network with municipal water/wastewater stakeholders. Excellent communication; executive presence; ability to work independently and lead multidisciplinary teams. Local to Buffalo or Rochester area, with a strong and regular in-office presence. Additional Information This position does not offer sponsorship, now or in the future. This position does not offer relocation assistance. THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION NO SOONER THAN JANURARY 1, 2027 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.