Transportation Program Management & Client Account Lead

AECOM; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation assistance

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a seasoned Transportation Program Management & Client Account Lead to join our Charlotte team, driving program and portfolio management across NC, SC, TN, and AL. You’ll align strategy with execution, bridging operations, data insights, and organizational performance for transportation clients including NCDOT and regional agencies.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, client relationship management with state DOTs, and business development, with hybrid work and periodic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 10+ years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Experience supporting public-sector program management or organizational improvement initiatives
• Experience managing multiple assignments and stakeholders
• Experience working with executives, managers, and technical staff at all levels
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in transportation program and portfolio management, setting goals and delivering portfolio results
• Perform data analytics and business intelligence to support decisions
• Manage strategic client relationships with state DOTs and large municipal agencies
• Lead business development planning and facilitate growth opportunities
• Mentor and develop junior staff and collaborate across teams
• Support regional and national initiatives as opportunities arise

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Public-sector program management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Power BI

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

Transportation Program Management & Client Account Lead (Charlotte)

AECOM is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Program Management Consultant & Client Account Leader to join our Transportation business in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This position will primarily support transportation clients and projects across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama, and serve as a key contributor to AECOM’s strategic direction in the region. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge strategy and execution, connecting operations, program delivery, data-driven insights, and organizational performance to drive meaningful results for clients.

This role combines strategic program and portfolio management leadership, client account management, and business development responsibilities focused on the City of Charlotte, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA), and other transportation agencies and stakeholders throughout the Charlotte region.

The successful candidate will engage with transportation agency leaders to implement complex programs, including strategy, goal setting, policy development, performance monitoring, and portfolio management. and deliver project portfolios. This role is ideal for professionals with a background in program management and a passion for helping government agencies improve performance and drive results. Candidates should be naturally curious, strong listeners, reliable task executors, analytical problem-solvers, and capable of translating broad client visions into structured programs.

Key areas of responsibility may include:

Transportation industry advisory & strategic consulting, including topics related to funding strategy, forecasting, scenario planning, and policy development.

• Transportation program & portfolio management, including program goal setting and portfolio delivery performance monitoring.
• Data analytics and business intelligence for decision making.
• Client relationship management, primarily with state DOTs and large municipal transportation agencies.
• Business development strategic planning and facilitation.
• Collaboration & team leadership, including mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Position supports clients and projects across the region and may support select national initiatives as opportunities arise.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree and 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Experience supporting public-sector program management or organizational improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing multiple assignments and stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively with government executives, managers, and technical staff at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated experience applying strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to solve complex challenges and deliver successful outcomes.

Preferred:

• 15 or more years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, engineering, transportation planning, business administration, or related field.
• Experience in transportation, public administration, and project management.
• Experience interacting directly with executive leadership and senior decision makers.
• Experience developing strategic plans, implementation plans, governance models, performance management systems, or organizational improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Power BI and other performance management tools.
• Experience supporting business development, client account management, proposal preparation, and capture planning at a consulting firm.
• Experience and/or knowledge in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, transportation innovation, or organizational modernization.
• Experienced in stakeholder communications, facilitation, and delivering effective presentations to diverse audiences.

Additional Information

• Position may be based in Charlotte or Raleigh, North Carolina.
• Hybrid work schedule available based on business needs.
• Periodic travel may be required throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama.
• Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

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.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $190000 to $230000.

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.

ReqID: J10162668

Business Line: Transportation

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: East

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: USD 190000 - USD 230000 - yearly