Tailings and Mine Waste Leader, LATAM

AECOM•Denver, CO

12d

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Tailings and Mine Waste Leader to support the LATAM region, based in Denver, Colorado. The role combines technical leadership and business development to drive growth, ensure technical excellence, and strengthen AECOM’s position in tailings and mine waste management across Peru and LATAM. The successful candidate will collaborate with clients, mentor staff, and lead strategic initiatives to expand the company’s market presence in the tailings sector. The position leads technical work and quality reviews for tailings dams, embankments, and related infrastructure; develops the regional practice strategy; and ensures projects meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and sustainability goals. It also involves identifying business opportunities, building client relationships, preparing proposals, representing AECOM in industry settings, and collaborating with teams across regions. The leader mentors engineers, monitors regulatory and industry developments, and advocates for strong tailings management practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of geotechnical engineering experience, with a strong focus on tailings dam design and management, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
Demonstrated success in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation.
Leadership ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior staff.
Business acumen and ability to identify and secure new business opportunities.
Deep knowledge of geotechnical principles, tailings dam design, and risk management.
Strong relationship-building skills and a client-first mindset.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical reporting and client interactions.

Nice To Haves

15 or more years of experience in tailings-related geotechnical engineering.
Master’s or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
Experience with mine waste management, closure design, and water management for tailings facilities.
Strong understanding of Canadian regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines, such as GISTM, CDA, ICMM, and MAC.
Experience serving as an Engineer of Record (EOR) for tailings dam projects globally.
Familiarity with advanced numerical modeling techniques and software.
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams.
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a strategic vision for the tailings dam practice in Peru and LATAM, aligned with AECOM’s global goals and regional priorities.
Perform the Lead Verifier quality review role for AECOM deliverables related to tailings dam design, analysis, and construction oversight.
Lead the design, analysis, and construction oversight of tailings dams, embankments, and associated infrastructure.
Prepare and review technical reports, drawings, and specifications to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Ensure projects meet or exceed regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and sustainability goals.
Review designs, reports, and specifications to ensure quality and consistency across projects.
Work across regions to develop and strengthen a global mine tailings practice.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities in tailings management across Peru and LATAM.
Build and maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on tailings management needs.
Lead proposal development, including scoping, budgeting, and preparation of technical content.
Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to grow AECOM’s market share in the tailings sector.
Represent AECOM at industry conferences, workshops, and client meetings to enhance visibility and thought leadership.
Coordinate with the North America tailings practice to develop staff and collaborate on projects for multinational clients.
Mentor and train junior and intermediate engineers, encouraging technical excellence and collaboration.
Provide technical reviews and guidance to ensure the quality and consistency of project deliverables.
Stay informed about evolving regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines to support compliance.
Advocate for best practices in tailings management within industry associations and regulatory bodies.