VP, Global Growth Director - Defense (OEM)

Company Description

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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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Vice President, Global Growth Director – Defence (OEM)

Location: United States

Role Overview

This is a high-impact leadership role within AECOM’s Buildings & Places (B+P) business, this position will be responsible for defining and executing the global strategy for engagement with Prime System Integrator clients as it pertains to architectural and engineering design.

The position carries accountability for client relationships, growth strategy, pipeline development, capture, and delivery performance across B+P global practice. It combines strategic leadership with hands-on account execution to drive growth, strengthen client partnerships, and deliver consistent performance.

The primary role focuses on the U.S. market, but will also involve interaction with other AECOM regions including the UK, Continental Europe, Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand. As this position is to focus on Defense Primes (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE, RTX, etc.), a deep sector expertise in defense systems will be looked upon more favourably.

This position will report to the Global B+P SVP, Head of Strategy & Growth, and will work closely with our US DOW Team and global defense leaders across the company.

We welcome applications from candidates who are already performing in a similar role, as well as those who have the experience, capability, and ambition to take the next logical step in their career progression into this position.

Key Objectives

• Deliver sustained revenue growth across priority Prime System Integrator accounts
• Expand and deepen client relationships across multiple regions
• Own end-to-end CAM accountability, including strategy, pipeline, bookings, and client satisfaction
• Build and scale high-performing account teams aligned to account growth

Core Responsibilities

Global Strategy & Leadership

• Define and lead the US B+P strategy for Prime System Integrator engagement, including account prioritisation and growth pathways
• Initiate and lead early-stage client engagement. As individual Prime accounts grow, work to transition these accounts to regional CAMs.
• As opportunities arise, integrate cross-business line capabilities to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary solutions

Client Account Management (CAM)

• Serve as executive-level CAM for priority accounts
• Develop and execute strategic account plans, including multi-year growth strategies and opportunity pipelines
• Drive bookings, revenue growth, and portfolio quality across regions and AECOM business lines
• Maintain rigorous oversight of account performance, including pipeline health, forecasting, and risk

Sales, Capture & Pursuit Leadership:

• Identify and prioritise key pursuits with Prime Integrators within the United States, ensuring appropriate executive sponsorship and governance
• Lead major bids and proposals, ensuring robust capture strategies, commercial positioning, and risk management
• Partner with our Government’s Team, Marketing and Operations to maximise win rates and commercial outcomes
• Drive disciplined use of CRM tools (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipeline visibility and forecasting accuracy

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional account teams
• Mentor and develop capture managers and account leaders
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and client focus across regions

Brand & Market Engagement

• Elevate market presence through strategic engagement with key clients, industry forums, and executive stakeholders
• Partner with Governments, Marketing, and Communications to strengthen positioning with Prime System Integrators

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates must have a background in architecture, engineering, or a related A/E discipline (e.g., building design, building engineering, planning, or program/construction management), with demonstrated ability to translate that technical foundation into business development and P&L growth for B+P services — pure IT, cybersecurity, or general business development backgrounds without hands-on A&E design or delivery experience will not meet the qualifications for this role.
• BA/BS +12 years' experience or equivalent plus 4 years of leadership experience
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship is required
• Proven experience working with Prime System Integrator and US DOW agencies
• Commercial knowledge of the Prime System Integrator industry in relation to infrastructure needs, contracts, fees and industry needs
• Leadership experience operating across geographies and multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated success leading accounts, complex pursuits, and multi-region delivery

Preferred background

• Commercially astute, with executive stakeholder engagement skills
• Industrial background & experience in advanced manufacturing

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position
• Relocation is not available for this position

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.