Aviation Project Executive, Deputy

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AECOM Hunt is seeking a Aviation Project Executive, Deputy to support airport construction in St Louis, MO.

Position Overview

The Aviation Project Executive, Deputy provides executive leadership for a large, complex airport construction project delivered under a CM/GC model. This role oversees both preconstruction and construction phases, ensuring seamless collaboration with the Airport Authority, design team, and key stakeholders from early design through final completion.

This role is responsible for overall financial performance, risk management, operational coordination within an active airport environment, and maintaining alignment between design intent, constructability, cost certainty, and schedule performance.

Core Responsibilities

CM/GC Leadership & Delivery Strategy

• Lead project strategy from early preconstruction through GMP development and construction execution.
• Oversee collaboration between the CM/GC team, owner, and designer during design development.
• Guide phased GMP packaging strategy to support early procurement and long-lead items.
• Ensure constructability reviews, value engineering, and risk assessments are integrated early.
• Provide executive oversight during negotiation and establishment of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).

Preconstruction Oversight

• Direct estimating, scheduling, logistics planning, and constructability reviews.
• Ensure real-time cost modeling and alignment with owner budget targets.
• Oversee risk register development and contingency planning.
• Lead subcontractor engagement strategy and bid packaging.
• Participate in design coordination meetings with architect and engineer of record.

Construction Phase Leadership

• Maintain oversight of field operations in a live airport environment.
• Ensure compliance with airport phasing, safety restrictions, and operational continuity requirements.
• Oversee airside/landside coordination, security access controls, and badging compliance.
• Lead review of change orders, claims, and scope modifications.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as liaison to the Airport Authority
• Interface with airlines, FAA representatives, TSA, concessionaires, and local agencies.
• Present cost updates, risk analyses, and schedule performance to executive steering committees.
• Support public board meetings and community engagement forums.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

• Maintain full P&L responsibility for the project.
• Oversee GMP development, buyout strategy, subcontractor negotiations, and procurement.
• Manage contingency usage and forecast accuracy.
• Lead resolution of claims and disputes.
• Ensure transparency in open-book CM/GC financial reporting.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify risks associated with phased construction in active aviation environments.
• Oversee safety compliance in accordance with FAA, OSHA, and airport authority standards.
• Ensure adherence to DBE participation goals and local workforce requirements.
• Monitor environmental compliance and permitting.

Safety & Quality Leadership

• Champion zero-incident safety culture.
• Oversee QA/QC programs across all phases.
• Ensure adherence to aviation-specific safety standards, including airfield and secure area protocols.

 

About Construction Management – AECOM Hunt

Founded in 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana, AECOM Hunt has been building for over 70 years. AECOM Hunt’s storied history has encompassed many notable projects in the automotive industry; iconic sports stadiums; a broad portfolio in transportation; and many repeat clients in the hospitality industry. From iconic stadiums and arenas, next-gen transportation hubs and sustainable healthcare and academic buildings, AECOM Hunt’s expertise, leadership and dedication are unparalleled.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field plus at least 12 years of construction management experience, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• At least 4 years of leadership experience
• Experience leading large ($500M-$1B+) complex projects
• In-depth knowledge of construction processes, techniques, safety regulations, complex MEP systems, structural steel, phased construction in operational environments, large-scale trade coordination, and public-sector contracting
• Ability to pass security screenings and background checks
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing projects $1B+
• Aviation project experience 
• PMP certification or PE license

• Sponsorship opportunities for US Employment Authorization are not offered for this position, now or in the future
• Relocation or a Travel Living Allowance may be provided for certain assignments.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• For positions with driving responsibilities, Motor Vehicle Records are reviewed as part of AECOM’s background check process to ensure compliance with the Company’s driving standards.
• In order to receive a security badge at the client worksite for which you are being hired to perform services, you will be required to pass the client's security screening process to include SWAC (Secure Worker Access Consortium) and/or SIDA (Identification Display Area) and fingerprinting, which will be done after you have commenced employment and is a condition of your continued 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.