Transit Market Sector Leader

AECOM•Columbia, SC

3d•$180,000 - $248,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to establish and grow its Transit Market Sector across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. The role will drive market growth, build client relationships, develop a high-performing transit practice, and deliver transit investments throughout the Southeast. The leader will serve as AECOM’s regional transit champion for pursuit and delivery efforts involving bus rapid transit, light rail, commuter and passenger rail, transit-oriented development, multimodal mobility programs, station and facilities design, and major transit capital investments. The position combines transit industry expertise with business development, executive leadership, and the ability to build multidisciplinary teams across a growing region. It will establish AECOM as a recognized transit leader, grow regional revenues and backlog, expand participation in major planning and capital programs, and build sustainable expertise across planning, environmental clearance, design, program management, and construction support. The leader may serve as Executive Sponsor, Principal-in-Charge, Program Director, or Senior Project Manager for major projects. They will oversee scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk; lead multidisciplinary teams; and ensure delivery meets client objectives and AECOM quality and project delivery procedures. The position is hybrid, with the listed primary location in Charlotte, North Carolina. Relocation is an option.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Transportation, Public Administration, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in transit planning, design, engineering, program management, major transportation infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalent experience and/or education.
At least 2 years of leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience winning and successfully delivering transit projects.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex transportation programs.
Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and executive leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE), AICP, PMP, RLA, or equivalent professional credential.
Existing relationships with transit agencies, municipalities, MPOs, or transportation organizations within the Southeast.
Experience with FTA Capital Investment Grant (CIG) programs, Small Starts, New Starts, TIGER/RAISE, and other federal funding mechanisms.
Experience supporting major transit corridor development and implementation programs.
A track record of growing a market sector, business line, or regional practice.
Experience serving as Principal-in-Charge or Program Director for transit projects exceeding $50 million in capital value.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute AECOM’s Southeast Transit Market growth strategy across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Serve as principal client relationship manager for transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation authorities, municipalities, and state transportation departments.
Position AECOM as a trusted advisor for emerging and established transit programs in the region.
Monitor market trends, funding opportunities, legislative initiatives, and capital investment programs to identify growth opportunities.
Represent AECOM at industry conferences, board meetings, transit associations, and professional organizations.
Lead strategic pursuits, capture planning, proposal development, interviews, and contract negotiations.
Build and maintain relationships with transit agencies and regional transportation stakeholders, including state DOTs and MPOs.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of transit planning, design, environmental, program management, and construction management opportunities.
Partner with Transportation, Buildings + Places, Environment, Program Management, and Construction Management business lines to deliver integrated solutions.
Build, lead, and grow a Southeast Transit Practice capable of delivering major regional transit programs.
Recruit, mentor, and develop transit planners, transportation engineers, rail specialists, urban designers, environmental professionals, project managers, and construction managers.
Establish staffing plans and long-term workforce strategies to support market growth.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team environment focused on technical excellence and client service.
Develop succession planning and leadership development initiatives for future transit leaders.
Serve as Executive Sponsor, Principal-in-Charge, Program Director, or Senior Project Manager for major transit projects.
Provide executive oversight of project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk.
Lead multidisciplinary teams across planning, engineering, environmental, architecture, urban design, and program management disciplines.
Deliver projects that achieve client objectives and exceed performance expectations.
Implement AECOM quality management and project delivery procedures.
Grow annual transit revenues and backlog, expand AECOM’s role in major transit programs, increase participation in FTA-funded initiatives, and strengthen local partnerships.