Director of Design-Build

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AECOM is seeking a Director of Design-Build to lead owner’s advisory services and help clients deliver major, complex capital projects through progressive design-build and other collaborative delivery methods. Based on the West Coast, with a preference for California, this leader will help owners establish delivery strategies, select project partners, and navigate the critical decisions that shape project scope, cost, schedule, and long-term performance.

This role offers the opportunity to influence significant projects from early planning and procurement through preconstruction, commercial negotiations, design, and construction. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of progressive design-build, including early team integration, collaborative scope development, transparent cost validation, risk allocation, and the transition from development to final design and construction. Working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, this individual will translate complex technical and commercial considerations into clear recommendations that support informed owner decisions.

As a senior leader, the Director will also grow AECOM’s owner’s advisory practice, build client relationships, mentor delivery professionals, and position the firm for major opportunities across the West Coast.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead owner’s advisory assignments for large, complex progressive design-build and other alternative delivery projects.
• Recognized industry expertise on progressive design-build and design build; working with industry associations, owner associations, etc.
• Advise owners on project delivery selection, procurement strategy, organizational readiness, governance, and decision-making processes.
• Develop and oversee requests for qualifications, requests for proposals, evaluation criteria, selection procedures, and supporting procurement documents.
• Guide owners through progressive design-build development activities, including scope definition, design progression, constructability reviews, cost estimating, scheduling, and risk assessment.
• Lead independent reviews of design-builder proposals, open-book estimates, contingencies, allowances, and commercial terms to support price negotiations and owner approvals.
• Establish clear decision milestones, performance expectations, and procedures for transitioning from project development into final design and construction.
• Support contract development and negotiations in coordination with owner procurement teams, legal counsel, and technical stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration among owners, designers, contractors, operations teams, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain alignment with project objectives.
• Oversee assignment scope, staffing, budgets, schedules, quality, and financial performance.
• Develop client relationships, identify new opportunities, and lead pursuit strategies, proposals, and interviews.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop professionals supporting owner’s advisory and collaborative delivery services.
• Represent AECOM in industry organizations and forums focused on design-build and progressive design-build.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline and 10 years of relevant experience in design-build project delivery, construction management, or owner’s advisory services including 2 years of leadership or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) certification.
• A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 20 years of experience leading design-build delivery and owner’s advisory services for large, complex capital projects, including substantial progressive design-build experience.
• Experience supporting major public-sector transportation, transit, rail, or other infrastructure programs.
• Established relationships with California and West Coast owners, agencies, and collaborative delivery partners.
• Demonstrated success growing an owner’s advisory or alternative delivery practice, including winning and delivering major assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels, including executive leadership and engineering design teams.
• Experience guiding owners through negotiated pricing, independent cost reviews, and development of guaranteed maximum prices or other agreed commercial arrangements.
• Active involvement in DBIA committees, regional or national leadership, education, or industry presentations.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential.

• This position will be based on the West Coast, with a preference for California.
• Travel to client offices, project sites, and industry events will be required.

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.