Project Director – Hospitality & Residential Construction

About AECOM and the Role

AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, focuses on transformative projects that enhance communities and shape skylines worldwide. We are hiring a Project Director specialized in hospitality and residential construction based in New York City. This role entails comprehensive oversight from preconstruction to commissioning, including project scope, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder coordination across complex multi-venue developments comprising hotels, retail spaces, food and beverage outlets, entertainment venues, parking, and back-of-house operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish the overall program strategy, governance structure, delivery plans, and communication protocols.
• Build and lead a cohesive, high-performing team across ownership, design, construction, commissioning, and operations.
• Guide design development from conceptual stages through issuance for construction, emphasizing constructability, value engineering, and lifecycle effectiveness.
• Manage procurement for significant packages such as structural components, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, façades, vertical transportation, furnishings, IT, audiovisual and security systems, handling prequalification and contract negotiations under various delivery models.
• Oversee the master schedule and budget, including managing cash flows, contingencies, and controlling changes.
• Maintain and proactively mitigate project risks, particularly related to long-lead items like switchgear, generators, chillers, elevators, and building exteriors.
• Coordinate regulatory approvals with relevant agencies including building, fire, health, and environmental authorities.
• Manage integrated system testing, temporary certificate of occupancy, certificate of occupancy, and ensure milestones for project opening are met.
• Align and communicate effectively with all stakeholders such as owners, lenders, operators, designers, and contractors, including preparing executive reports and board presentations.
• Lead commissioning activities, operational training, development of standard operating procedures, mock openings, and efficient project closeout including punch lists, operational manuals, warranties, and as-built documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in construction with leadership experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Proven experience directing luxury hospitality, branded residential, mixed-use, or destination developments, with strong focus on interior finishes and operational handover.
• Preferred experience includes senior management of large construction projects, delivery of luxury hotel rooms, branded residences, high-end F&B venues, and premium public spaces.
• Expertise in managing FF&E, specialty millwork, finishes, and luxury interior construction.
• Experience collaborating with luxury hotel operators and top-tier international design teams.
• Solid understanding of New York City building codes and construction practices.
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office, Primavera P6, CMIC, Procore or similar tools.

Additional Information

• This position requires onsite presence; remote or hybrid work is not available.
• Employment requires passing a pre-employment drug screening.
• There is no sponsorship available for U.S. work authorization now or in the future.
• Relocation may or may not be provided depending on circumstances.
• Successful candidates must participate in an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office.

About AECOM Benefits and Culture

AECOM offers comprehensive benefits tailored to employees’ diverse needs, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid leave, voluntary benefits, flexible working options, well-being resources, retirement savings plans, stock purchase programs, and more. Join a global community dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful infrastructure projects with opportunities for growth, leadership development, and impact.