Program Manager / Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Manager / Design Manager - Civil Infrastructure - Water Company: AECOM Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Civil Infrastructure / Water Management Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-03 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead program and design management for critical civil infrastructure projects, with a specialized focus on water systems (supply, drainage, wastewater treatment).
• Drive the end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial planning and concept development through to execution, procurement, and final contract closeout, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Cultivate and manage high-performing, multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that maximizes efficiency and innovation across AECOM's global network.
• Uphold rigorous quality standards and ensure strict compliance with industry regulations, client specifications, and AECOM's internal project delivery procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's "Enterprise Capabilities" team, a global workshare unit focused on delivering technical expertise and accelerating project delivery across geographic boundaries. The emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" and "Multidisciplinary and/or Multicenter projects" indicates a strong need for coordination across diverse teams and locations, requiring exceptional communication and project management skills beyond traditional site-based roles. The "significant profit/loss responsibility" highlights the strategic importance and autonomy of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership: Oversee the comprehensive management and administration of water infrastructure projects, establishing clear objectives, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Design Process Oversight: Lead and manage all facets of the design process, from conceptualization to detailed engineering, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality benchmarks, and client requirements.
• Team Management & Coordination: Provide robust management and guidance to subordinate managers and supervisors, ensuring effective coordination within the local design team and seamless collaboration with other AECOM Enterprise Capabilities offices for multicenter projects.
• Client Interface & Relationship Management: Serve as a primary liaison between AECOM and clients, building and maintaining strong relationships to ensure project success and client satisfaction.
• Financial & Resource Stewardship: Administer projects from budgeting and scheduling through procurement and closeout, holding significant profit/loss responsibility for assigned initiatives.
• Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation: Implement and enforce AECOM's quality principles and industry regulations, proactively identifying design risks and developing effective mitigation strategies.
• Process Adherence & Optimization: Ensure strict adherence to AECOM Project Delivery Procedures and standards, while identifying opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain meticulous project documentation and prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and performance tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of traditional project management (budget, schedule, client interface) and specialized design leadership within the water infrastructure sector. The explicit mention of "coordinating with various EC offices for Multidisciplinary and/or Multicenter projects" and the "significant profit/loss responsibility" suggest this role requires not only technical acumen but also strong strategic, financial, and cross-cultural management capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in civil infrastructure project and design management.
• Extensive experience specifically within the water sector, including water supply, drainage, and/or water & wastewater treatment plants.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating complex projects.
• Experience working within a consultancy environment is highly valued.
• Preference for candidates with ME (Middle East), UK&I, and/or ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) project experience.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage projects from inception to completion, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk. PMP certification is a mandatory requirement.
• Design Leadership: Expertise in leading and overseeing the design process for complex civil infrastructure projects, with a deep understanding of water systems engineering.
• Team Management & Motivation: Strong leadership capabilities to manage, guide, and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage client relationships and act as a primary point of contact.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated experience in budget administration, profit and loss management, and resource optimization for large-scale projects.
• Process & Quality Management: Ability to implement and enforce quality standards, adhere to project delivery procedures, and manage design risks.
• Communication & Reporting: Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex technical and managerial challenges.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational capabilities to manage multiple workstreams, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with advanced project management software and design collaboration tools.
• Familiarity with AECOM's specific project delivery methodologies and standards.
• Experience in international project environments or working with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for PMP certification is a strong indicator of the expected project management rigor. The preference for experience in specific regions (ME, UK&I, ANZ) suggests potential involvement in international projects or exposure to diverse regulatory and engineering practices. The +15 years of experience combined with PMP certification positions this role at a senior level, demanding strategic oversight and significant autonomy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Demonstrable experience in leading and successfully delivering complex civil infrastructure projects, particularly in water-related sectors. Portfolio should highlight scope, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Design Process Documentation: Examples showcasing the management of design stages, quality assurance protocols, and risk mitigation strategies employed in past projects.
• Team Leadership & Coordination Examples: Evidence of managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating across different offices or regions, and fostering collaborative environments.
• Financial Management & P&L Responsibility: Documentation or case studies illustrating experience in managing project budgets, controlling costs, and demonstrating profit/loss responsibility.
• Client Engagement & Reporting: Samples of client communication, project reports, and stakeholder presentations that showcase effective engagement and transparent reporting.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing project workflows, particularly for design and project management phases.
• Quality Management Systems: Provide examples of implemented quality control and assurance processes within design and project execution.
• Risk Management Frameworks: Detail the methodologies used for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• AECOM Standards Adaptation: Evidence of adapting to and implementing organizational-specific project delivery procedures and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with "significant profit/loss responsibility," the portfolio must strongly emphasize financial management and successful project outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how they managed budgets, controlled costs, and ensured project profitability, alongside technical design and project delivery success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the seniority of the role (15+ years of experience, PMP certification, P&L responsibility) and the location in Gurugram, India, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Program/Design Managers with extensive experience in engineering and infrastructure in India, the estimated annual salary range would be ₹2,500,000 to ₹4,500,000. This estimate considers the high level of responsibility, specialized technical expertise required, and the cost of living in Gurugram.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Life & Disability Protection: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability Benefits.
• Time Off & Leave: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absence options.
• Voluntary Benefits & Perks: Access to a range of voluntary benefits and employee perks designed to enhance well-being and convenience.
• Flexible Work Options: Support for hybrid working arrangements aligned with AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" philosophy.
• Well-being Resources: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other well-being resources.
• Retirement & Investment: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Recognition & Insurance: Service Recognition Awards and Business Travel Insurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project demands and AECOM's hybrid working policy. The role's global coordination aspect may necessitate some flexibility to accommodate different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in India, considering the extensive experience and PMP certification. It's crucial for candidates to research current market rates for Project/Design Managers with 15+ years of experience in civil infrastructure (water) in Gurugram. The benefits package is extensive and reflects AECOM's commitment to employee welfare and long-term investment, which is a significant draw for senior professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering Services. AECOM operates globally, providing end-to-end solutions in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company (Fortune 500) with approximately 16.1 billion USD in revenue in FY24 and a global workforce of thousands of technical professionals. Founded: AECOM has a long history, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions, with its current form established to be a leading global infrastructure firm. This long-standing presence suggests a stable, established corporate environment with deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Enterprise Capabilities (EC) Team: This role is part of AECOM's EC team, a specialized unit of over 3000 technical professionals across nine countries. EC functions as a global workshare hub, providing technical expertise and filling capability gaps for regional project teams.
• Reporting Structure: The Program/Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Enterprise Capabilities division, potentially a Director or Vice President overseeing specific technical disciplines or geographic regions. They will, in turn, manage subordinate managers and supervisors within their project teams.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role demands extensive collaboration with regional AECOM business lines, project teams, clients, and other EC offices globally. The "Think and Act Globally" strategy emphasizes a highly integrated, cross-functional approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and advanced technical capabilities to solve complex client challenges.
• Process Optimization: A core focus is on accelerating delivery and maintaining competitiveness through efficient processes and digital adoption.
• Collaborative Delivery: The EC model is built on seamless collaboration across geographic boundaries and time zones, fostering a shared approach to project execution.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and the function of the Enterprise Capabilities team mean this role is intrinsically linked to international operations and cross-cultural collaboration. The "Think and Act Globally" strategy implies a company culture that values diverse perspectives and integrated service delivery across its worldwide operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, categorized as a Program Manager or Design Manager with significant Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility. It signifies a leadership position requiring strategic oversight, extensive technical expertise, and the ability to manage large, complex projects and teams. This level typically involves significant autonomy and decision-making authority.

Reporting Structure: The individual will report to a senior leader within the Enterprise Capabilities division, likely a Director or VP. They will have direct reports, including subordinate managers and supervisors responsible for specific project components or design disciplines. This structure indicates a management track with clear hierarchical progression.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on AECOM's revenue and client satisfaction through the successful delivery of critical water infrastructure projects. Effective program and design management directly contributes to project profitability, client retention, and AECOM's reputation as a global infrastructure leader. The P&L responsibility underscores the financial impact of this position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Enterprise Capabilities or regional business lines, managing larger programs, portfolios, or P&L responsibilities.
• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure or related fields through complex project involvement and continuous learning.
• Global Project Exposure: Continued involvement in high-profile, international projects, expanding global network and cross-cultural project management skills.
• Mentorship & Development: Potential to mentor junior engineers and project managers, contributing to the development of AECOM's talent pipeline.
• Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in shaping AECOM's global delivery strategies and adopting new technologies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Freedom to Grow" philosophy mentioned in the job description suggests AECOM actively supports career development. For this senior role, growth likely involves increased strategic influence, broader P&L scope, and potentially leadership in new service offerings or technological advancements within the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. AECOM's "Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy" suggests a focus on flexibility, trust, and performance, allowing employees to balance work and personal life.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Gurugram, Haryana, India. AECOM is a global company with numerous offices worldwide, and the Enterprise Capabilities team operates across multiple countries, implying that collaboration will extend beyond the Gurugram office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Gurugram office likely serves as a hub for local teams and provides facilities for in-person meetings, client interactions, and collaborative work sessions when required.
• Digital Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's extensive suite of digital tools, project management software, and communication platforms is expected to support seamless hybrid and global collaboration.
• Global Network Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a vast network of global experts, fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving across different regions and disciplines.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is typical, the hybrid nature and global coordination requirements may offer some flexibility. Employees are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving coordination across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature combined with global team coordination suggests that strong self-management, asynchronous communication skills, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools are paramount for success in this role. The emphasis on "performance" within the hybrid philosophy indicates that outcomes and results are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and experience. Be sure to highlight your PMP certification and 15+ years of relevant experience prominently.
• Technical & Managerial Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience in water infrastructure projects, design management methodologies, and program leadership. Expect scenario-based questions to assess problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your strategic approach to project management, design oversight, team leadership, budget control, and risk mitigation. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Cross-functional/Leadership Interview: An interview with senior leaders within Enterprise Capabilities or regional business lines to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall leadership potential. This may include behavioral questions.
• Final Decision: Based on the cumulative assessment of your technical expertise, managerial capabilities, cultural fit, and portfolio demonstration.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics).
• Highlight P&L Responsibility: Specifically showcase instances where you managed significant budgets and were responsible for project profitability. Detail your strategies for cost control and revenue generation.
• Demonstrate Global Coordination: If applicable, include examples of managing projects or teams across different regions or time zones, emphasizing your communication and coordination strategies.
• Focus on Water Sector: Ensure your selected case studies strongly represent your expertise in water supply, drainage, and/or wastewater treatment projects.
• Structure and Storytelling: Organize your portfolio logically, using a clear narrative for each case study to effectively communicate your impact and expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex water infrastructure program for AECOM, considering global delivery, budget constraints, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions related to managing project delays, budget overruns, stakeholder conflicts, or technical design challenges. Frame your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams, especially in a remote or hybrid setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "significant profit/loss responsibility," interviewers will likely probe deeply into financial management, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase their ability to balance technical excellence with commercial acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard PM tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar, for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common Civil Engineering design software suites (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley Systems products) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools is beneficial for understanding design processes, even if not directly using them daily.
• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual meetings, team communication, and document sharing, essential for hybrid and global collaboration.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems like SharePoint, OpenText, or similar for organizing, storing, and versioning project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or financial management tools for budget tracking, P&L reporting, and resource accounting.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating dashboards and reports to present project performance, financial status, and key metrics to stakeholders.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, financial modeling, and detailed reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) can be helpful for client relationship management and understanding project pipelines from a business development perspective.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can streamline project management processes, reporting, or communication workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's nature as a Program/Design Manager with P&L responsibility means that proficiency in financial management software and robust reporting/analytics tools is critical, alongside standard project management and collaboration platforms. The emphasis on global coordination also underscores the need for expertise in digital communication and document management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all project dealings and fostering trust with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Excellence & Innovation: Commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that meet and exceed client expectations and industry standards.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute. AECOM's "Think and Act Globally" strategy directly supports this.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring successful project outcomes that contribute to their success.
• Safety & Sustainability: A strong commitment to safety in all operations and delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions for a better world.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Cross-functional: The Enterprise Capabilities team embodies a highly collaborative style that transcends geographical boundaries and functional disciplines. Expect regular interaction with diverse teams, requiring strong cross-cultural communication and adaptability.
• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to project management and design, emphasizing clear processes, documentation, and adherence to standards, while remaining open to process improvements.
• Performance-Driven: While collaboration is key, the emphasis on "performance" within the hybrid philosophy suggests a results-oriented culture where accountability and efficiency are highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Think and Act Globally" strategy is a central cultural pillar, implying a need for individuals who can operate effectively in a multicultural, distributed team environment. This requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to navigate different working styles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and motivating multidisciplinary teams spread across different time zones and cultural contexts presents a constant challenge, requiring strong communication and leadership skills.
• Balancing Quality and Speed: Ensuring high-quality design and project delivery while meeting aggressive timelines and budget constraints inherent in large infrastructure projects.
• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Managing expectations and fostering alignment among diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal AECOM teams, regulatory bodies, and potentially community groups.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new design tools, project management methodologies, and sustainable engineering practices in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Financial Oversight: Maintaining strict control over project budgets and ensuring profitability in a high-stakes P&L responsibility role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to refine skills in complex program management, risk management, and financial stewardship on large-scale international projects.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge water infrastructure design, sustainable engineering practices, and innovative construction techniques.
• Leadership Development: Access to AECOM's leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for career advancement within a global organization.
• Global Network Expansion: Building a robust professional network with peers and leaders across AECOM's worldwide operations.
• Continuous Professional Development: Encouragement and support for pursuing further certifications, attending industry conferences, and engaging in continuous learning to stay at the forefront of the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be translating AECOM's global strategy into effective local execution, particularly in managing dispersed teams and ensuring consistent quality and communication across different regions. Growth opportunities are directly tied to expanding this global management capability and taking on progressively larger and more strategic program responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a large-scale civil infrastructure project with significant P&L responsibility, considering a hybrid global team structure." (Focus on your strategic planning, financial oversight, risk management, and team coordination methodologies.)
• "How do you ensure design quality and adherence to standards when coordinating with multiple engineering teams across different regions and time zones?" (Highlight your quality assurance processes, communication protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.)
• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to balance competing project demands (e.g., schedule, budget, scope, quality) and how you resolved it." (Use the STAR method, emphasizing your decision-making process and the outcomes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's 'Think and Act Globally' strategy, and how would your experience contribute to it?" (Research this strategy and articulate how your global project management skills align.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially within a hybrid or remote working model?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication techniques, and strategies for team cohesion.)
• "AECOM is committed to delivering a better world through sustainable infrastructure. How have you incorporated sustainability principles into your past projects?" (Prepare examples demonstrating your understanding and application of sustainable design and practices.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Data-Driven Impact: For each case study, clearly present the key performance indicators (KPIs) you managed or influenced (e.g., budget variance, schedule adherence, cost savings, safety incident rate, client satisfaction scores).
• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the specific project management and design processes you implemented or optimized, and explain the benefits derived from them.
• Leadership Narrative: Frame your portfolio around your leadership journey, highlighting how you guided teams, made critical decisions, and drove project success.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 15-20 minutes) that covers 2-3 of your most impactful projects, allowing ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the P&L responsibility, expect detailed questions on financial management, including how you forecast, track, and control project costs, manage variances, and ensure profitability. Be ready to discuss your experience with contract administration and procurement processes as well.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Program Manager / Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to prominently feature your 15+ years of experience, PMP certification, and specific achievements in civil infrastructure, particularly in water projects. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 high-impact case studies that best demonstrate your program management, design leadership, P&L responsibility, and global team coordination capabilities within the water sector. Prepare concise summaries and key metrics for each.
• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's global strategy, its commitment to sustainability, and its values. Prepare specific examples of how your experience aligns with their "Think and Act Globally" approach and their mission to deliver a better world.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and answers to common interview questions, focusing on quantifying your achievements and clearly articulating your leadership and problem-solving methodologies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.