Assistant Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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AECOM is seeking a Program Controls Manager to support our Water Business Line and five-year, $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to improve Chicago’s water services efforts in Chicago, Illinois.

In this role you will provide leadership to a Program Controls team within a large, complex water program with multi-billion dollars capital improvements. You will lead the team developing the budget and schedule of the Capital Improvement Plan as well as the cost management of the Program Management Office (PMO). You will be directing the team developing and maintaining the master schedule and acquiring, disbursing, tracking and reporting on the usage of funds. You will be preparing various program reports for the client delivery.

You will be responsible for managing, controlling, forecasting and reporting cost and schedule performance for projects throughout the organization. Services include setting up and managing project controls systems (including setup of work breakdown structure), capturing to-date progress and expenditure data, analyzing to-date performance data, forecasting at-completion performance data (EAC costs, hours), analyzing project risks (contingency management), managing change and incorporating scope variations into schedule and cost deliverables, and preparing associated reports.

Responsibilities and Competencies may include but are not limited to:

• Assist Program Manager (PgM) in developing and managing program control delivery responsibilities; active collaboration with other program task leadership; and establishes and maintains client relationships.
• Responsible to lead and manage sub-task managers in delivering program services including capital cost; program services cost; loan and grant funding; scheduling; and program progress/performance reporting.
• Continually identify strategic program improvements in resources (staff capacity and skills); change management; standardized work processes; and technical tools and innovations. 
• Continuously monitor program performance metrics achievements including client satisfaction with fulfillment of agreed scope of services, and overall financial performance of contract to budgets and plans.
• Establish task-level key performance indicators, monitor performance against those indicators, and advise operational management on proposed corrective actions where issues within the task execution occur. 
• Develop a delegation strategy by maintaining functional task teams to deliver the respective program services.  
• Lead appropriate technology adoption, innovation and quality of task deliverables.
• Overseeing and coordinating the resolution of issues and actions. 
• Review task-level functions at set stage gates, conduct root cause analyses; and providing approval or corrective action. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead the project controls function on a large/complex project.
• Possesses proven knowledge of scope control and change management.
• Oversees the production and maintenance of accurate project schedules. Expert understanding of schedule resource loading and leveling.
• Expertise in scheduling, critical path analysis, resource loading and leveling.
• Demonstrated knowledge in using Project Management Information Systems and other applied technologies; ability in reviewing and assessing raw data that comes from project automated systems; and maximizing the resources to deliver Program Controls Manager responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 years or more of relevant large program controls experience
• 5 years of more of experience in managing other project controls professionals

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 
• Relocation is offered for this opportunity.
• Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.

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.