Water Growth Leader and Senior Project Manager

Job Description

AECOM's Water Business Line is seeking a dynamic, talented, and growth-oriented Water Growth Lead and Sr. Project Manager for immediate employment based in Rochester or Buffalo, NY. The successful candidate will support the strategic growth, client engagement, business development, and project delivery efforts for AECOM's Water practice in Rochester and Buffalo, NY. This leadership role is responsible for expanding AECOM's market presence with municipal water utilities, public authorities, counties, and state agencies while supporting the planning, design, and implementation of critical water infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully developing client relationships, leading major pursuits, managing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering complex water projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AECOM's Water practice in Rochester, Buffalo, and throughout New York while working within an established and successful Water Business Line that provides diverse technical challenges, leadership opportunities, and career growth

Responsibilities:

• Implement strategic growth initiatives for AECOM's Water market across Upstate New York.
• Lead business development activities, 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 and oversee water projects from planning and funding through design, construction, and startup.
• Provide responsibility for project performance, including financial management, staffing, resource allocation, quality, schedule, and contract administration.
• Support the successful delivery of both drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects including: treatment facilities, transmission systems, pump stations, collection system, 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 project pursuits and strategic investments.
• Participate in and maintain leadership visibility within industry organizations including the New York Section American Water Works Association (AWWA), New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), and related professional associations.
• Provide technical leadership related to treatment, conveyance, asset management, sustainability, resiliency, and emerging contaminants.
• Mentor and develop project managers, engineers, and technical staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Lead with an interest in developing talent and successfully working across diverse teams, disciplines, and geographies.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering plus 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) licensed 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.

Additional Information

• Relocation is not available for this role.
• Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY JANUARY 26, 2027

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

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. 

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. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation: 160000 to 200000 (USD) (YEARLY)