Operations Manager

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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Job Description

AECOM Buildings + Places is seeking a Operations Manager to lead and grow our Burnaby office. This position is based out of Burnaby, BC.

About The Role

You will reside within our Buildings and Places group, leading an operational unit of the business supporting the Region. In this role, you will execute the strategic direction, ensuring the business success of the teams within the operating unit. Working in collaboration with other Operations Managers, Market Sector Leads and Practice Leads, you will contribute to the growth of both top-line and bottom-line metrics in addition to the retention and growth of a multi-disciplined team of Architects, Engineers and Project Managers reporting to you. In addition to leading some of our highest profile projects, you will support project managers and discipline practice leads and initiatives that source out new business.

Major Responsibilities:

• Plans and directs the practice for an operational unit, department, or specialty.
• Ensures, directly and through subordinates, that projects are completed on time and to company standards.
• Provides periodic progress reports to senior management.
• Position requires extensive progressive experience.
• Has financial and project management responsibilities for projects.
• Responsible for the creation of work plans and task definitions, oversees data collection and develops solutions to business/client problems with a focus on financial analysis and improvement.
• Provides solutions to business/client challenges developed from a foundation of understanding or analysis of business practices and goals.
• Be accountable for end-to-end leadership for a part of our business.
• Develop long and short-term strategies for business success and assemble teams to execute.
• Achieve all aspects of the financial plan and manage business risks, ethics and compliance, safety, and quality.
• Be aware of and drive the adoption of global business strategies and key initiatives such as digitalization and ESG.
• Lead and motivate people within your area to deliver optimal results and attract and develop people to strengthen teams.  This team has experienced a variety of challenges in recent months and needs a people focused leader.
• Enable growth of the business in partnership with Market Sector Leads and other Business Lines through a focus on clients, expansion of services and capability, commitment to delivering excellence and exceptional teams.
• Collaborate with other teams and areas of expertise locally, regionally, and globally to identify and implement best practices.
• Mentor, coach and sponsor the next generation of talent across our business.
• Build diverse teams and champion equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
• Supports the DOO to proactively identify areas of improvement including analysing Key Performance Indicators ("KPI") such as utilization; Gross Margin ("GM"); Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A"); Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Amortization ("EBITA"); and Days Sales Outstanding ("DSO").
• Ensures measures are in place for implementation of QA/QC Procedures in line with client expectations and AECOM Quality Management Systems.
• Act as the primary point of escalation between project teams and clients when necessary.

Minimum Requirements:

• To be considered for this position, candidates must possess, at a very minimum:
• No less than a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering + 10 years of experience managing multiple projects of various types and complexities for variety of client types or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including a minimum of 2 years in a people manager position with direct reports.
• Please note this is a very minimum to be considered. See preferred requirements below.

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes:

• 15 years of experience managing multiple projects of various types and complexities for variety of client types.
• You are a self-starter that thrives under pressures, exhibits tenacity, zeal and takes pride in achieving what many consider impossible.
• Architectural, Engineering or PMP designation is an asset.
• Experience in a people manager position with direct reports.
• Experience in managing large complex programs and projects is an asset.
• Experience fast-tracking building and environmental permitting and experience working with municipal approvals.
• Business acumen. 
• Demonstrable experience delivering winning proposals.
• High level of literacy regarding financial reporting and workplan composition.
• Ability to work within a team environment, ability to co-ordinate with a multi-disciplinary in-house consultant team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Ability to multi-task combined with strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• High level of sound and independent judgment and reasoning.
• Dedicated, with an all-hands-on-deck attitude towards completing the work efficiently and accurately.
• Strong computer skills, including a working knowledge of scheduling (MS Project), word processing (Word) and spreadsheet (Excel) software applications.

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position.
• The expectation is for regular onsite attendance and leadership in Burnaby office.

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 2024. Learn more at  

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. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.