Senior Program Manager - Water Business Line

AECO; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM’s Water Business Line is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead a major CIP portfolio for a municipal water/wastewater utility, spanning multi-year and multi-project initiatives exceeding $2 billion. You will establish and lead the PMO, directing executive-level delivery across schedule, cost, risk, safety, and regulatory compliance, while guiding design, procurement, construction, and turnover.

Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in infrastructure programs with strong leadership, plus

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering or Construction Management or related field is required.
• 10+ years of related experience; 4+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience managing large-scale infrastructure programs with budget and schedule oversight.
• Experience with digital project environments and PMO leadership.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a PMO for a multi-billion-dollar CIP with governance and metrics.
• Drive program controls including cost, schedule, risk, change management, and document control.
• Advise clients on delivery models and procurement strategy.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and steward sustainability and lifecycle asset strategies.
• Oversee end-to-end program lifecycle from planning to turnover.
• Build and mentor diverse project teams and manage subconsultants.
• Develop executive dashboards and reporting for stakeholders.
• Strengthen client relationships across utilities, agencies, and partners.
• Identify and implement digital tools to enhance delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

BA/BS in Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Power BI

Cost/risk systems

Job description

Senior Program Manager - Water Business Line

• Full-time
• State/Province: Massachusetts
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Water
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Boston, MA - One Federal St
• Compensation: USD 180,000 - USD 250,000 - yearly

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.

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the water industry? AECOM’s Water Business Line is on the lookout for adynamic and accomplished strategic leaderwith bold ideas to join our leadership team in one of our New England offices! This is an exciting opportunity to shape meaningful water accounts and drive our regional growth in thedrinking water, wastewater, conveyance, and water resources markets.

As a Senior Program Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing amulti-year, multi-project capital improvement program (CIP)exceeding$2 billionfor a municipal or regional water/wastewater utility. You will establish and lead aProgram Management Office (PMO), providing executive-level stakeholder leadership and driving delivery outcomes across key areas such as schedule, cost, risk, quality, safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

You will oversee the full program lifecycle—from planning through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational handover—across complex infrastructure portfolios including treatment facilities, conveyance systems, reservoirs, CSO programs, resilience initiatives, and digital/asset systems.

This position offers a unique chance to work within an established and successful group that boasts a diverse range of technical proficiencies and abundant career development opportunities. You’ll be client-facing, managing meaningful accounts that will contribute to our ambitious growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Inspire – Build and lead a high-performing PMO with best-in-class governance, controls, reporting, and performance metrics for a multi-billion-dollar CIP.
• Drive Program Excellence – Implement and oversee program controls including cost, schedule, risk, change management, and document control, ensuring accurate forecasting and accountability.
• Strategic Advisor – Guide clients on delivery models (DBB, CMAR, DB, Progressive DB) and lead procurement strategy and execution.
• Compliance & Stewardship – Oversee regulatory compliance (EPA, state agencies), permitting, and consent decree/enforcement obligations.
• Shape Sustainable Outcomes – Integrate resilience, sustainability, equity, and lifecycle asset strategies into program decisions and prioritization.
• Deliver End-to-End Programs – Lead design management, value engineering, constructability reviews, commissioning, and operational turnover.
• Proactively Manage Risk – Drive risk identification, analysis, mitigation planning, and governance across the program lifecycle.
• Build High-Performing Teams – Attract, mentor, and develop diverse talent; manage subconsultants and contractors; foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate with Impact – Establish executive dashboards and reporting frameworks; ensure transparency and effective issue escalation.
• Strengthen Client Relationships – Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders including utilities, agencies, community leaders, and partners.
• Innovate for Performance – Identify and implement digital tools and new technologies to enhance program delivery and outcomes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS in Engineering, Construction Managementor related field + 10years of related experienceor demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• 4+ years of experience in leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing large-scale infrastructure programs, including scope, budget, and schedule oversight
• Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a digital, paperless project environment
• Due to the nature of work, U.S. Citizenship is required.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degreein Engineering, Construction Management or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in New England states or ability to obtain within 4 months
• Demonstrated success leading complex water/wastewater capital programs
• Experience with program controls and digital platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Power BI, cost/risk systems)
• Passion for innovation, sustainability, and advancing resilient infrastructure solutions
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
  • Relocation is not available for this position.

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.