Program Director, Airport Baggage Handling Systems

AECOM•Mississauga, ON

92d•Onsite

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Program Director, Airport Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) to join their team. This position is based on-site in Mississauga. The role requires a senior, client-focused leader to serve as a trusted advisor and single point of accountability for the delivery of complex, airport-wide Baggage Handling Systems programs supporting one of the most advanced, sustainable, and passenger-friendly airport developments in the world.

Requirements

University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline, plus demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
Minimum of 10 years of experience delivering airport Baggage Handling Systems, including senior leadership roles on complex, multi‑phase aviation programs.
Demonstrated experience interfacing directly with airport authorities or owners as a senior, client‑facing representative.

Nice To Haves

Typically brings 20+ years of progressive professional experience, including substantial program or portfolio leadership responsibility.
Minimum of 10 years of experience on large-scale airport or transportation infrastructure programs valued over CAD $1 billion.
Professional Engineering designation, PMP, or equivalent professional credential is considered a strong asset.
Deep technical understanding of baggage handling system design best practices, controls integration, security screening interfaces, redundancy strategies, and operational performance criteria.
Proven ability to operate effectively at the executive level, balancing technical detail with strategic, outcome‑focused communication.
Strong background in collaborative and alternative delivery models, including Progressive Design‑Build, Target Price, or similar frameworks.
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading complex commercial discussions, change negotiations, and contract management at a program level.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of facilitating executive workshops and resolving complex, multi‑party issues.
Familiarity with digital delivery platforms, BIM environments, and program management information systems (PMIS) is an asset.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary client-facing executive for the Airport Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) Program, responsible for building and maintaining strong, trust‑based relationships with senior client leadership.
Accountable for overall BHS program delivery in alignment with client objectives related to scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, operational performance, and risk.
Acts as a strategic advisor to the client, providing informed recommendations on BHS system architecture, delivery strategy, procurement approach, risk mitigation, and operational readiness.
Leads and represents the BHS program in executive steering committees, governance forums, and senior stakeholder meetings.
Develops and implements the program governance framework, execution strategy, and performance reporting structure in alignment with the broader airport capital program.
Provides oversight and direction to multi-disciplinary delivery teams, ensuring alignment between BHS technical teams, airport operations, IT, security screening authorities, terminal design teams, and construction partners.
Manages and oversees system suppliers, contractors, and consultants, ensuring contractual compliance and proactive resolution of performance, interface, and integration issues.
Guides decisions related to change management, commercial impacts, and risk exposure in collaboration with client representatives and governance bodies.
Ensures BHS design, installation, testing, and commissioning activities meet functional, regulatory, reliability, and passenger experience requirements.
Leads program‑level interface management across live airport operations, phased construction sequencing, and operational transitions.
Oversees preparation and presentation of executive briefings, program status reports, dashboards, and decision papers to support timely and informed client decision‑making.
Collaborates with the Program Delivery Director and other Program Directors to ensure alignment and integration across terminal, airside, landside, and enabling works.
Acts as a mentor and role model for senior project leadership staff, promoting a collaborative, transparent, and client‑focused delivery culture.