Automation and Operational Intelligence Lead, Global Digital Water - job 1 of 2

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

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.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a growth focused Global Water Automation & Operational Intelligence Leader to spearhead our efforts in creating the world's leading digital water engineering and management solutions. AECOM is focused on creating the world's leading digital water engineering and management solutions. In this critical role, you will evolve, own, and execute the strategy to establish AECOM as the preeminent leader in digital water automation and operational intelligence on a global scale. 

As the Global Water Automation & Operational Intelligence Lead, you will successfully integrate and lead our worldwide automation and intelligence initiatives across various aspects of the water engineering and management regions, from instrumentation and controls to systems engineering, SCADA implementation, and advanced operational intelligence services. You will drive the business into exciting new verticals, including industrial cybersecurity for water infrastructure, AI-driven water quality analysis, predictive maintenance for water assets, and remote services capabilities for water utilities. Your goal will be to establish a comprehensive and agile technological ecosystem that delivers exceptional value for our water clients and improves the efficiency and sustainability of water systems worldwide. 

All major US locations and Canada will be considered.

Key Responsibilities 

Drive Sustainable Growth in Digital Water’s Automation and Operational Intelligence: 

• Develop, implement, and execute a strategic growth plan for the division, including achievement of assigned goals/metrics related to financial forecasts and customer satisfaction in water engineering projects. 
• Identify new services, and potential new revenue streams to capitalize on current and future market trends, while paving the way for continued disruption of the industry; resulting in accelerated non-linear year-over-year growth of AECOM's Digital Water Automation & Operational Intelligence market sector. 
• Interact with global water utility clients and water engineering partners to build relationships and create awareness of new products or services offered by the company.

Implement the Water Automation Business Strategy & Roadmap: 

• Engage with cross-functional leaders to understand water engineering business objectives and develop a clear service and go-to-market strategy and 3-5 year growth plan. 
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to create a scalable, unified global organization that enables the business to deliver digital implementation of Automation and Intelligence offerings on existing and future water engineering engagements. 
• Create and execute a technology and digital transformation roadmap through innovative services that transform the water engineering market and expand AECOM's digital footprint and automation services in the global water sector. 

Execute - Deliver Water Automation Solutions and Capabilities to our clients: 

• Develop and implement rigorous operations, processes, and procedures within the Global Water Automation & Operational Intelligence division to enhance best practices and drive digital transformation in our water engineering projects. 
• Implement foundational cross-functional workflows and processes to create visibility for the team and leadership to ensure execution against business goals. 
• Lead critical projects and partner with regions and EC to ensure that automation projects are delivered to the expected budgets and timelines while meeting speed and quality goals. 
• Continuously develop and implement new products/solutions to enhance the Automation and Operational Intelligence capabilities and improve the delivery of solutions to our clients. 

Leadership of People & Culture in Digital Water Automation and Operational Intelligence: 

• Serve as an inspirational, senior-level leader for AECOM's global Digital water and engineering teams. 
• Hold teams and individuals accountable for staying on track and focused on deliverables set forth by the organization, particularly in water engineering projects. 
• Align and drive the culture of the division, creating an environment that encourages accountability and strong staff development to increase engagement and retain top digital water talent. 

Minimum Requirements 

• BA/BS degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Electrical or Water Resources Engineering and/or + 12 years of relevant experience in digital water management, automation systems, and intelligence solutions, or demonstrated equivalency of experience, including 4 years of leadership experience in water engineering projects. 
• Proven track record in developing and implementing digital strategies in the water engineering industry on a large scale. 
• Experience in water treatment process automation systems planning and implementation, including cutover, migration, and construction of physical systems including hardware and software/programming integration for water and wastewater facilities. 
• Strong understanding of industrial cybersecurity for water infrastructure, AI-driven water quality analysis, predictive maintenance for water assets, and remote services capabilities in the water sector. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow teams of water engineers and collaborate across teams business lines. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and build key client relationships globally in the water engineering sector. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or Ph.D.) in Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field + 15 years of relevant experience in digital water management, automation systems, and intelligence solutions, or demonstrated equivalency of experience, including 5 years of leadership experience in water engineering projects. 
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent international certification. 
• Proven success in driving digital transformation initiatives in multinational water engineering organizations. 
• Track record of successful business development and revenue growth in the digital water management and engineering sector. 

Attributes/Skills 

• Visionary leader with the ability to inspire and motivate global teams of water engineers and technologists. 
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capabilities in water engineering projects. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex water engineering and technical concepts to diverse audiences. 
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving global water market. 
• Passionate about innovation and driving positive change in the water industry through engineering and technology. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with water utility clients, technology partners, and internal stakeholders across cultural boundaries. 

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 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.