Operations Manager

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

Reporting To

Operations Director (India)

Role Purpose

The Operations Lead will establish, lead, and manage the Gujarat operations of AECOM, supporting the delivery of large-scale Program Management Consultancy (PMC) assignments. The role will act as the senior representative of AECOM in Gujarat, ensuring effective office setup and administration, client engagement, health, safety and ethics compliance, staff management, and operational excellence across all projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a high-performing, compliant, and client-focused regional operation capable of supporting significant PMC mandates.

Key Responsibilities

1. Office Establishment & Regional Operations

- Lead the establishment of AECOM operations in Gujarat, including office setup, statutory registrations, vendor onboarding, facilities management, and local service agreements.
- Develop and implement operational policies, processes, and governance structures aligned with company standards.
- Manage office administration, workplace services, logistics, IT coordination, and business support functions.
- Ensure business continuity and operational readiness across all Gujarat projects.
- Maintain relationships with local authorities, statutory bodies, landlords, and service providers.

2. Client & Stakeholder Management

- Act as one of the primary interfaces for clients, project stakeholders, and local authorities.
- Support Project Directors and Program Directors in maintaining strong client relationships.
- Attend internal governance reviews, and client interactions.
- Anticipate and resolve operational issues affecting project delivery or client satisfaction.
- Maintain a high level of responsiveness and professionalism in all client engagements.

3. Health, Safety & Environment (HSSE)

- Lead implementation of company HSE standards across Gujarat operations and project offices.
- Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations, client requirements, and corporate HSSE procedures.
- Coordinate incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions.
- Support project teams in managing contractor and consultant HSE compliance.
- Work with the AECOM Global teams to create a strong SHE culture in the region.

4. Ethics, Compliance & Corporate Governance

- Serve as the regional focal point for ethics, integrity, compliance, and governance matters.
- Ensure adherence to company Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery & Corruption policies, and client compliance requirements.
- Support audits and compliance reviews.
- Ensure proper documentation, approvals, and record management.
- Escalate compliance concerns and manage mitigation actions.

5. People Leadership

- Recruit, onboard, and support project and operational staff in Gujarat.
- Build a high-performance culture emphasizing safety, collaboration, accountability, and client service.
- Provide leadership and guidance to administrative and operational teams.
- Manage employee relations and support HR processes locally.
- Drive employee engagement and retention initiatives.

6. Commercial & Financial Support

- Support budgeting and forecasting activities for Gujarat operations.
- Monitor regional operational costs and ensure effective cost control.
- Review vendor contracts, service agreements, and invoices.
- Ensure appropriate procurement and financial governance procedures are followed.
- Support commercial management of project mobilization and operational requirements.

7. Project Mobilization & Delivery Support

- Lead mobilization of new projects within Gujarat.
- Ensure project teams have the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support services.
- Coordinate deployment of staff, workspace, equipment, and suppliers.
- Provide operational support during project start-up, execution, and close-out phases.
- Monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Successful establishment and operational readiness of Gujarat office(s).
- Client satisfaction and stakeholder feedback.
- HSE performance and compliance metrics.
- Zero ethics/compliance breaches.
- Employee retention and engagement levels.
- Operational cost performance against budget.
- Timely project mobilization and support.
- Vendor and facilities management effectiveness.

Education

- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
- MBA or postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.

Experience

- 10+ years of experience within engineering consultancy, project management consultancy (PMC), infrastructure consulting, or construction management environments.
- Proven experience establishing and managing regional or project offices.
- Strong background in client-facing operational leadership roles.
- Experience supporting large infrastructure, industrial, transportation, urban development, or capital projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience working with government and private sector clients in India.

Essential Competencies

Leadership

- Strong people management and team leadership skills.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- High level of accountability and ownership.

Client Management

- Strong relationship-building capability.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Executive presence and credibility.

Operational Excellence

- Process-oriented with strong organizational capability.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Compliance & Governance

- Strong understanding of HSE, ethics, risk, and corporate governance.
- Experience implementing and managing operational controls.

Personal Attributes

- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build operations from the ground up.
- Hands-on, practical, and proactive.
- High integrity and professional standards.
- Resilient and capable of operating in a dynamic project environment.
- Strong cultural awareness and stakeholder management skills.

Additional Information

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.