Transportation Program Manager

AECOM•Chicago, IL

6d•$185,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking an experienced Transportation Program Manager to be based in Chicago, Illinois. This leadership role will oversee the successful delivery of large, complex transportation programs while driving strategic growth across Illinois and the greater Midwest. The selected candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to key clients, provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams, and help shape the future of transportation infrastructure through innovative project delivery and strong client partnerships. This position offers the opportunity to lead high-profile transportation programs for clients including IDOT, CDOT and local and regional agencies, while supporting alternative delivery pursuits, digital delivery initiatives, and business development efforts. The Program Manager will play a critical role in expanding AECOM's presence through exceptional project execution, commercial management, and strategic client engagement.

Requirements

BA/BS + 8 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or the ability to obtain Illinois licensure through reciprocity within six months of hire.
12+ years of progressively responsible experience managing large, complex transportation infrastructure projects and programs for state, regional, and local agencies.
Demonstrated experience delivering projects for IDOT, the Illinois Tollway, or other Midwest transportation agencies, with an established understanding of agency standards, procedures, and project delivery requirements.
Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams, managing project managers and technical staff, and delivering projects through all phases of the project lifecycle.
Experience serving as a Client Account Manager (CAM) or in a similar client-facing leadership role, with a strong track record of developing long-term client relationships and supporting business development and strategic growth initiatives.
Experience delivering projects using alternative delivery methods, including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CM/GC, or other innovative procurement approaches, along with knowledge of digital delivery and BIM-enabled project execution.
Strong commercial management experience, including contract negotiation and administration, scope management, financial performance, risk management, proposal development, and successful delivery of complex transportation programs while mentoring and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

Serve as Program Manager and Task Lead for major transportation programs and complex infrastructure projects throughout Illinois and the surrounding region.
Lead multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design, and delivery of roadway, highway, bridge, transit, and multimodal transportation projects.
Provide commercial management oversight, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality expectations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients including IDOT, the Illinois Tollway, municipalities, and regional transportation agencies, serving as a trusted advisor and Client Account Manager (CAM).
Support business development initiatives by identifying new opportunities, participating in strategic pursuits, developing proposals, and contributing to interviews and presentations.
Lead and support alternative delivery projects, including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and CM/GC pursuits and execution.
Champion digital delivery strategies and innovative project execution methods that improve collaboration, efficiency, and project outcomes.
Collaborate with regional and national leadership to develop growth strategies and strengthen AECOM's transportation market presence.
Mentor project managers, engineers, and technical staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, contracts, risk, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects and programs.
Coordinate with technical leaders to ensure high-quality, integrated deliverables that meet client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Represent AECOM at industry organizations, client meetings, conferences, and professional events to enhance the firm's visibility and influence within the Illinois transportation market.
Contribute to strategic planning efforts that strengthen AECOM's state and regional transportation leadership and long-term client partnerships.