Aviation Project Executive, Deputy

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 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 projec