At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive growth in aviation programmes across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
- Benefits: Diverse team, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while working on major projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
AECOM is seeking a strategic and commercially driven Programme Director to support and drive the growth and delivery of Aviation programmes across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to the Sector Director and working closely with the global Transportation leadership, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering the sector’s 3‑year growth strategy, while strengthening collaboration with the global Transportation business. This role is focused on winning and delivering major projects (>$5M), building high‑value client relationships, and driving excellence in project performance, safety, and operational outcomes.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Strategic Growth & Work Winning
- Support and drive the sector’s 3‑year growth plan across UK & Ireland, in support of the Sector Director’s strategy
- Lead positioning, client engagement, and bid activity to win Aviation opportunities ≥$5M, including early and enabling packages
- Manage the end‑to‑end work winning process for major programmes
- Define and implement the hybrid Enterprise Capability (EC) and home country delivery model for bids
- Enhance AECOM’s market presence and reputation with infrastructure owners, operators, and contractors
- Collaborate with global teams to support growth across Europe and India through capability, knowledge, and resource sharing
- Act as AECOM’s senior representative in the delivery of major aviation programmes
- Own and lead strategic client relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business
- Drive continuous improvement based on client feedback and performance outcomes
- Lead collaboration with contractors, partners, and supply chain to ensure high‑performing delivery teams
- Delivery & Commercial Performance
- Accountable for successful delivery of Aviation Sector owned projects, typically >$5M in revenue, ensuring performance across: Schedule, cost, and quality Project governance compliance
- Drive strong commercial performance, including: Sales bookings and revenue growth Deliver programmes profitably and sustainably, aligned with business objectives
- Leadership & Capability Development
- Work within Transportation to build capability and capacity aligned to long‑term growth
- Lead collaboration across Business Lines, sectors, and geographies to unlock opportunities and strengthen delivery
- Contribute to the development of a high‑performing, globally connected team
- Support the implementation of strategic workforce planning and resourcing models
- Champion and actively lead the SHE & Wellbeing agenda across all major projects
- Ensure strong performance against both leading and lagging safety and sustainability metrics
- Act as a visible safety leader, embedding best practice across delivery teams and partner organisations
Qualifications
- Proven market leader with a strong track record of positioning, leading, and winning major opportunities
- Extensive experience delivering large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects profitably
- Demonstrated success working with infrastructure owners, operators, contractors, and partners
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing financial performance and project metrics
- Experience operating within a global organisation, collaborating across sectors and geographies
- Strong leadership capability, with a focus on developing teams and building long‑term capability
- Passionate about safety leadership, wellbeing, sustainable delivery, quality and innovation
We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at ReasonableAdjustmentsUKI@aecom.com. At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you!
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address ReasonableAccommodationsUKI@aecom.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
Aviation Programme Director in Croydon employer: AECO
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the architecture field, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects that shape communities. With a culture that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, AECOM provides the perfect platform for architects to thrive and make a difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aviation Programme Director in Croydon
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AECO for a Aviation Programme Director. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Programme Director in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AECO, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AECO, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AECO
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AECO.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AECO. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AECO love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
