Transportation Program Manager

Company Description 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. Job Description AECOM is seeking an experienced Transportation Program Manager to be based in Chicago, Illinois. This leadership role will oversee the successful delivery of large, complex transportation programs while driving strategic growth across Illinois and the greater Midwest. The selected candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to key clients, provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams, and help shape the future of transportation infrastructure through innovative project delivery and strong client partnerships. This position offers the opportunity to lead high-profile transportation programs for clients including IDOT, CDOT and local and regional agencies, while supporting alternative delivery pursuits, digital delivery initiatives, and business development efforts. The Program Manager will play a critical role in expanding AECOM's presence through exceptional project execution, commercial management, and strategic client engagement. Key Responsibilities Serve as Program Manager and Task Lead for major transportation programs and complex infrastructure projects throughout Illinois and the surrounding region. Lead multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design, and delivery of roadway, highway, bridge, transit, and multimodal transportation projects. Provide commercial management oversight, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality expectations. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients including IDOT, the Illinois Tollway, municipalities, and regional transportation agencies, serving as a trusted advisor and Client Account Manager (CAM). Support business development initiatives by identifying new opportunities, participating in strategic pursuits, developing proposals, and contributing to interviews and presentations. Lead and support alternative delivery projects, including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and CM/GC pursuits and execution. Champion digital delivery strategies and innovative project execution methods that improve collaboration, efficiency, and project outcomes. Collaborate with regional and national leadership to develop growth strategies and strengthen AECOM's transportation market presence. Mentor project managers, engineers, and technical staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment. Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, contracts, risk, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects and programs. Coordinate with technical leaders to ensure high-quality, integrated deliverables that meet client expectations and regulatory requirements. Represent AECOM at industry organizations, client meetings, conferences, and professional events to enhance the firm's visibility and influence within the Illinois transportation market. Contribute to strategic planning efforts that strengthen AECOM's state and regional transportation leadership and long-term client partnerships. This opportunity is ideal for a transportation leader who enjoys managing complex programs, developing teams, growing client relationships, and helping deliver the next generation of transportation infrastructure throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications BA/BS + 8 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education. Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or the ability to obtain Illinois licensure through reciprocity within six months of hire. 12+ years of progressively responsible experience managing large, complex transportation infrastructure projects and programs for state, regional, and local agencies. Demonstrated experience delivering projects for IDOT, the Illinois Tollway, or other Midwest transportation agencies, with an established understanding of agency standards, procedures, and project delivery requirements. Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams, managing project managers and technical staff, and delivering projects through all phases of the project lifecycle. Experience serving as a Client Account Manager (CAM) or in a similar client-facing leadership role, with a strong track record of developing long-term client relationships and supporting business development and strategic growth initiatives. Experience delivering projects using alternative delivery methods, including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CM/GC, or other innovative procurement approaches, along with knowledge of digital delivery and BIM-enabled project execution. Strong commercial management experience, including contract negotiation and administration, scope management, financial performance, risk management, proposal development, and successful delivery of complex transportation programs while mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Additional Information This role does not provide Visa Sponsorship. 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. State/Province: Illinois Business Group: DCS Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc Business Line: Transportation Work Location Model: Hybrid Operating Group: Americas Primary Location: US - Chicago, IL - 130 East Randolph Compensation: USD 185000 - USD 215000 - yearly