Aviation Project Executive, Deputy

AECOM • Saint Louis, MO

3d

About The Position

AECOM Hunt is seeking a Aviation Project Executive, Deputy to support airport construction in St Louis, MO. Position Overview The Aviation Project Executive, Deputy provides executive leadership for a large, complex airport construction project delivered under a CM/GC model. This role oversees both preconstruction and construction phases, ensuring seamless collaboration with the Airport Authority, design team, and key stakeholders from early design through final completion. This role is responsible for overall financial performance, risk management, operational coordination within an active airport environment, and maintaining alignment between design intent, constructability, cost certainty, and schedule performance.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• CM/GC Leadership & Delivery Strategy 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).
• Preconstruction Oversight 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.
• Construction Phase Leadership Maintain oversight of field operations in a live airport environment.
• Ensure compliance with airport phasing, safety restrictions, and operational continuity requirements.
• Oversee airside/landside coordination, security access controls, and badging compliance.
• Lead review of change orders, claims, and scope modifications.
• Client & Stakeholder Management 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.
• Financial & Commercial Oversight 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.
• Risk & Compliance Management 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.
• Safety & Quality Leadership 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.

Benefits

• AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive