Deputy Program Director (Water / Wastewater)

Job description

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 world’s 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 The Deputy Program Director supports the Program Director in leading, coordinating, and integrating delivery of a large‑scale, complex water or wastewater capital investment program, with a strong focus on program management support services. The role provides day‑to‑day leadership across defined program components, ensuring alignment of scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Operating as the Program Director’s principal deputy, this position plays a central role in translating program strategy into coordinated execution across multiple projects, delivery partners, and stakeholders. The Deputy Program Manager supports governance, decision‑making, and performance oversight while contributing deep water and wastewater sector expertise, particularly in advanced treatment, reuse, conveyance, and large‑scale infrastructure systems. The role is suited to a senior leader experienced in multi‑jurisdictional, highly regulated environments, where strong integration, controls, and stakeholder coordination are essential to delivery confidence. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Delivery Support Support the Program Director in the delivery of a major water or wastewater program, comprising multiple interdependent projects and workstreams. Lead assigned projects, technical packages, or functional areas, acting as the primary delivery authority for those elements. Provide coordination and integration across project managers, designers, constructors, and support functions as appropriate to ensure consistent and aligned delivery. Act as delegate for the Program Director as required, including chairing governance forums and representing the program in senior stakeholder engagements. Support the implementation and operation of robust program management frameworks, including planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, change control, and reporting. Oversee program performance monitoring and dashboards, supporting early identification of trends, risks, and opportunities. Lead or support program‑level issue resolution and corrective action planning to sustain delivery confidence. Apply strong water and wastewater technical understanding to support informed program decisions across treatment facilities, conveyance systems, pumping infrastructure, and supporting assets. Ensure delivery approaches align with regulatory, environmental, safety, and quality requirements typical of large public-sector water programs. Support coordinated stakeholder engagement across client teams, delivery partners, regulators, and third parties. Lead or support risk, assurance, and compliance activities, including reviews, audits, and readiness assessments. Manage interfaces between multiple agencies, jurisdictions, and contractors within a complex delivery environment. Support commercial oversight, including cost forecasting, change management, supplier performance, and contract compliance. Lead, coach, and mentor project and program team members, supporting development of future delivery leaders. Promote best practices, innovation, digital tools, and continuous improvement across the program management function. Contribute lessons learned and knowledge sharing to strengthen organizational water sector delivery capability. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, process, or electrical), project management, or a related discipline and 10+ years’ experience, including 2 years of leadership experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education. Preferred Experience Experience supporting or deputising for a Program Director on major water or wastewater capital programs. Familiarity with advanced water treatment, water reuse, wastewater purification, or large‑scale conveyance systems. Strong experience with program controls, governance, assurance, and executive reporting. Proven ability to integrate multidisciplinary teams across design, construction, and commissioning. Experience delivering programs in environmentally sensitive or climate‑resilience‑driven contexts. Demonstrated experience working within a program management context, either as Program Manager, Deputy or in a lead program delivery role. Experience operating in complex, regulated, multi‑stakeholder public infrastructure settings. Professional certification (PMP, PgMP, or equivalent) preferred. Additional Information Sponsorship is not available for this position 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.