Director of Operations

About the Role

AECOM Canada is looking for a Director of Operations for its Environment business line. This is an established leadership position based in Calgary, Alberta, and it reports to the Chief Operating Officer while working closely with the Regional Business Line Leader for Environment.

The role is responsible for shaping and leading operations across the Canada region for the Environment business line. It combines business leadership, project delivery oversight, technical leadership, client relationship management, resource planning, quality and safety oversight, financial performance, and team development.

The position also helps align Environment and Energy priorities to support coordinated growth and integrated solutions, while maintaining clear regional communication, consistent performance measures, and accountability for outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Operations will guide strategic execution, strengthen organizational effectiveness, support financial and operational performance, and help drive client-focused delivery across the business line.

• Partner with the Regional Business Line Leader to define, build, and execute the objectives and strategy for Canada Environment, including KPIs, standards, and targets that support ownership and accountability.
• Contribute a broad commercial perspective and act as a strong co-leader in managing the business line.
• Shape staff development, coaching, mentorship, and retention approaches with a continuous improvement focus.
• Lead and develop high-performing Department Managers and Project Directors who are client-focused, innovative, engaged, and guided by a company-first mindset.
• Help Department Managers establish and achieve both business goals and personal development plans.
• Improve organizational design and structure so it supports current needs and future growth.
• Ensure the right people, structure, and systems are in place for effective project delivery and client service.
• Oversee staffing, workload balancing, project execution, and technical delivery in line with client expectations, contractual scope, budget, and company, professional, quality, safety, and legal standards.
• Work with Practice Leads and Department Managers to improve NSR, EBITA, and cash flow results.
• Introduce tools and processes that help forecast business needs, track performance against goals, identify opportunities, and reduce risks.
• Partner with Finance to review project and P&L performance, assess business needs, and support delivery of annual financial goals and operational excellence.
• Monitor operational performance by market sector and identify improvement areas through KPIs such as utilization, gross margin, SG&A, EBITA, and DSO.
• Support leadership in preparing the annual budget, financial outlook, and other forecasting work.
• Lead change initiatives by identifying business adjustments needed to respond to market, client, and workforce requirements.
• Drive successful organizational change by building buy-in at all levels and communicating initiatives clearly and positively.
• Contribute to win strategies and support project execution, including hands-on involvement in key pursuits or escalated issues affecting client satisfaction or delivery best practices.
• Represent the business line and region at key industry and community events.
• Support and advance corporate, regional, and business line initiatives and policies.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health and safety, ethics, financial, and professional practice requirements.
• Work collaboratively across business lines and regions to achieve shared goals.
• Use global resources effectively to benefit local clients and help develop project managers capable of handling complex global resource plans.
• Coordinate with the Global Environment business line on strategy and business plan delivery.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in the design or construction industry.
• Minimum 4 years of leadership experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Preferred: around 15 years of progressively senior supervisory, management, and operational/financial experience.
• Experience in the design, environmental, or science sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing large technical teams, including leadership-level staff.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, interpersonal, and communication abilities.
• Sound commercial judgment with the ability to shape strategy and interpret business performance in the AEC sector.
• Proven ability to lead change and implement initiatives that improve teamwork and results.
• Hands-on delivery experience as a project manager on large, complex projects or programs.
• Track record of delivering work, managing teams, and building a collaborative practice.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Strategic thinking, resilience under pressure, and a strong sense of urgency when needed.
• Solid financial and operational acumen.
• A collaborative, team-oriented style with selfless behavior.

Additional Information

New hires must complete in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. This requirement is part of the company’s efforts to protect the integrity and security of its recruitment process.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader focused on helping create a better world through work in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The company supports public- and private-sector clients across the full project lifecycle, from advisory and planning through design, engineering, program management, and construction management.

The organization offers a broad benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability coverage, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings, and an employee stock purchase plan, depending on employment status.

AECOM emphasizes growth, training, collaboration, respect, and community, and says it provides opportunities to work on impactful local and global projects with access to advanced technology and expert networks.

The company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicant information will be kept confidential in line with EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence may be used to support screening, assessment, and selection, while final hiring decisions remain with the hiring team.