Director of Operations

AECOM•Burnaby, BC

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM Canada is seeking a Director of Operations for the Environment Business Line. This role is responsible for planning and directing operations for the Environment Business Line in the Canada Region, providing operational, project delivery, and technical leadership. The scope includes business and organizational leadership, project management and delivery oversight, quality and technical excellence, client satisfaction, safety, resource allocation, and employee development and training. The Director of Operations works with the Regional Business Line Leader to drive strategic alignment, ensure clear communication of regional strategy, and establish consistent performance metrics. This role advances the tactical plan to support growth initiatives, maintains accountability for operational performance, and champions strong client relationships through integrated, safe, high-quality, multi-disciplinary delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline
At least 12 years of relevant experience in the Design or Construction industry
At least 4 years of leadership experience
Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered.

Nice To Haves

15 years of increased supervisory, management and operational/financial experience.
Industry related experience is essential.
Excellent supervisory and leadership skills, including strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience managing large teams of technical staff including management of leadership level staff.
Strong business acumen with the ability to identify, develop and plan business strategy efforts and analyzing business results based on a strong understanding of the AEC industry.
Change leader - Proven ability to identify changes that would improve the business and implement key initiatives in a manner which facilitates teamwork and goal attainment.
Experience in Design, Environmental or Science industries.
Proven delivery as Project Manager on large complex projects and/or programs
Proven record of delivering work, managing teams, and development of a collaborative practice.
Collaborative style; team player; demonstrates selfless behaviours
Willingness to see opportunity and act with a sense of urgency when required.
Ability to effectively prioritize competing demands while being decisive.
Strategic mindset.
Loves a challenge, but steady under pressure.
Proven financial and operational acumen.

Responsibilities

Work with the RBLL to identify, develop, and implement Canada Environment’s objectives and strategies, including setting appropriate KPIs, guidelines, and targets to ensure ownership and accountability.
Provide a broad business perspective and be a constructive co-leader in the overall management of the BL.
Select and implement strategies for staff development, mentorship, and retention, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Build and coach a team of high-performing Department Managers and Project Directors who demonstrate a strong focus on clients, a commitment to excellence and innovation, strong employee engagement and operate on a selfless “best for the company” philosophy.
Support Department Managers in setting and achieving business and personal development goals.
Optimize organization structure to meet our internal needs and growth objectives.
Responsible for ensuring people and structures are in place to ensure strong project delivery and client service: project oversight, staffing, workload balancing, and technical work in accordance with client expectations, contract scope of work and budget, and company, professional, quality, safety, and legislative standards.
Work with the Practice Leads and Department Managers to identify and implement strategies to maximize NSR, EBITA, and cash flow metrics.
Implement necessary tools and processes to forecast future business needs, monitor actual business operations against objectives, identify and maximize operational opportunities, and mitigate risks.
Partner with Finance to monitor project and P&L delivery performance and assess the future needs of the business to ensure annual financial goals and operational excellence are achieved. Hold oneself and team accountable for achievement of plan/outlook.
Analyze operational performance by market sector and proactively identify areas of improvement, including analyzing key KPIs such as utilization, gross margin, SG&A, EBITA, and DSO.
Provide the Leadership Team support in developing the annual budget and preparing the financial outlook and other financial performance forecasts.
Act as a change leader by identifying and successfully implementing changes needed in the business to respond to market expectations, client needs, and workforce needs. This includes processes, policies, tools, or staffing.
Skilled at implementing organizational change initiatives. Implement strategies to ensure successful buy-in at all required levels in the organization to sustain a change. Communicate with staff to ensure initiatives are delivered and executed positively and effectively.
Actively contribute to win strategies and successful project execution, being involved at a ‘hands-on’ level in key pursuits as needed and on projects should issues impacting client satisfaction or project management best practices escalate.
Represent the BL and Region through attendance at key industry and community events.
Support and drive Corporate, Region, and BL initiatives and policies.
Ensure corporate and BL compliance with all AECOM requirements, such as quality, health & safety, ethics, financial, and professional practice requirements.
Collaborate proactively and effectively within business lines and across regions to achieve collective goals.
Develop and implement strategies to leverage our global resources to benefit our clients locally, and hire/develop/mentor project managers who can manage the complexity of global resource plans.
Collaborate with the Global Environment BL on the delivery of business strategies and plans.