Associate Director - Design Management

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 Associate Director – Design Management (AD) is responsible for overseeing multiple complex projects or portfolios, ensuring design excellence, strategic alignment, and operational efficiency. This role combines technical expertise, business acumen, and team leadership to drive high-quality design outcomes and support the company’s growth objectives.

• Lead and manage multiple design projects or portfolios of varying complexity, ensuring alignment with client expectations, project goals, and company standards.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the company’s project protocols, reporting requirements, and design processes, providing strategic support to Project Managers (PMs) as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and competitive positioning.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate the performance of project design teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Advise local leadership on client engagement strategies, market trends, and opportunities for growth within specific business areas, industries, or service lines.
• Make autonomous decisions aligned with company policies, procedures, and strategic objectives, while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Oversee internal and external design teams to ensure seamless coordination and delivery of integrated design solutions.
• Conduct peer reviews and deliver technical presentations beyond the scope of directly managed projects, contributing to knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Solve complex design and project challenges with minimal direction, applying advanced technical and managerial expertise.
• Lead the development of new or enhanced techniques and procedures for complex or novel assignments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, identifying trends and opportunities to strengthen the Company’s market position.
• Serve as an Approved Lead Verifier, ensuring compliance and quality assurance across projects.
• May manage a departmental sub-function or a small to mid-sized client account.
• Lead at least one major proposal annually, contributing to business development and strategic growth.
• Actively engage with clients to support relationship management and business development initiatives.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-project portfolios.
• Advanced knowledge of design management principles, tools, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Typically, a minimum of 15 years post-undergraduate experience.
• Degree in relevant discipline, architecture preferable.
• Holds professional membership  

Additional Information

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 2024. 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.