Water Growth Leader and Sr. Project Manager

AECOM•Rochester, NY

12d

About The Position

AECOM’s Water Business Line is hiring a growth-oriented Water Growth Leader and Senior Project Manager based in Rochester or Buffalo, New York. The role supports strategic growth, client engagement, business development, and project delivery for AECOM’s Water practice in the region. It will expand AECOM’s market presence with municipal water utilities, public authorities, counties, and state agencies while supporting planning, design, and implementation of critical water infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will develop client relationships, lead major pursuits, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver complex water projects. The position combines growth leadership and client account management with oversight of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, from planning and funding through design, construction, and startup. The role also provides technical leadership, develops staff, and collaborates with regional and national teams. The posting states AECOM intends to fill this current vacancy by January 26, 2027. Relocation and sponsorship are not available. Newly hired employees must attend in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering plus at least 8 years of related experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and education.
Registered Professional Engineer (PE).
Demonstrated experience with drinking water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, transmission and distribution systems, and related infrastructure.
Proven experience in business development, client management, and strategic growth planning.
Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex infrastructure projects.
Demonstrated knowledge of municipal utility operations, capital improvement planning, and project delivery methods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering plus 10 to 12 years of related experience in water consulting, engineering management, and market leadership.
Professional Engineer (PE) license in New York State.
Existing relationships with municipal drinking water utilities, authorities, counties, and agencies throughout Upstate New York.
Experience serving as Client Account Manager for major municipal clients.
Knowledge of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) funding programs, State Revolving Fund financing, WIIA grants, and federal infrastructure funding opportunities.
Demonstrated success leading major capture efforts and strategic pursuits.
Active participation and leadership roles within AWWA, NYWEA, or other professional organizations.
Strong understanding of emerging drinking water challenges, including PFAS treatment, resiliency planning, cybersecurity, asset management, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Implement strategic growth initiatives for AECOM’s Water market across Upstate New York.
Lead business development, including client engagement, capture planning, pursuit strategy, proposal development, and interview preparation.
Build and maintain executive-level relationships with municipal utilities, water authorities, counties, and regulatory agencies.
Serve as Client Account Manager for local clients and support long-term client satisfaction and growth.
Manage water projects from planning and funding through design, construction, and startup.
Oversee project performance, including financial management, staffing, resource allocation, quality, schedule, and contract administration.
Support delivery of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including treatment facilities, transmission systems, pump stations, collection systems, storage facilities, source water improvements, and resiliency projects.
Collaborate with regional and national technical leaders to pursue and deliver major infrastructure programs.
Conduct risk and opportunity assessments for new pursuits and strategic investments.
Maintain leadership visibility in industry organizations, including the New York Section AWWA, NYWEA, and related professional associations.
Provide technical leadership in treatment, conveyance, asset management, sustainability, resiliency, and emerging contaminants.
Mentor and develop project managers, engineers, and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
Work across diverse teams, disciplines, and geographies while supporting talent development.