Aviation Project Executive, Deputy

About the role

The Aviation Project Executive, Deputy supports airport construction in St Louis, MO. This role leads project strategy from early preconstruction through construction execution, overseeing collaboration with the Airport Authority, design team, and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead project strategy from early preconstruction through GMP development and construction execution
• Oversee collaboration between the CM/GC team, owner, and designer during design development
• Guide phased GMP packaging strategy to support early procurement and long-lead items
• Ensure constructability reviews, value engineering, and risk assessments are integrated early
• Provide executive oversight during negotiation and establishment of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
• Direct estimating, scheduling, logistics planning, and constructability reviews
• Ensure real-time cost modeling and alignment with owner budget targets
• Oversee risk register development and contingency planning
• Lead subcontractor engagement strategy and bid packaging
• Participate in design coordination meetings with architect and engineer of record
• Maintain oversight of field operations in a live airport environment
• Ensure compliance with airport phasing, safety restrictions, and operational continuity requirements
• Lead review of change orders, claims, and scope modifications
• Serve as liaison to the Airport Authority
• Interface with airlines, FAA representatives, TSA, concessionaires, and local agencies
• Present cost updates, risk analyses, and schedule performance to executive steering committees
• Support public board meetings and community engagement forums
• Maintain full P&L responsibility for the project
• Oversee GMP development, buyout strategy, subcontractor negotiations, and procurement
• Manage contingency usage and forecast accuracy
• Lead resolution of claims and disputes
• Ensure transparency in open-book CM/GC financial reporting
• Identify risks associated with phased construction in active aviation environments
• Oversee safety compliance in accordance with FAA, OSHA, and airport authority standards
• Ensure adherence to DBE participation goals and local workforce requirements
• Monitor environmental compliance and permitting
• Champion zero-incident safety culture
• Oversee QA/QC programs across all phases
• Ensure adherence to aviation-specific safety standards, including airfield and secure area protocols

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus at least 12 years of construction management experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• At least 4 years of leadership experience
• Experience leading large ($500M-$1B+) complex projects
• In-depth knowledge of construction processes, techniques, safety regulations, complex MEP systems, structural steel, phased construction in operational environments, large-scale trade coordination, and public-sector contracting
• Ability to pass security screenings and background checks
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing projects $1B+ Aviation project experience
• PMP certification or PE license

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.