Operational Net Zero Lead

Reporting to the Corporate Net Zero (CNZ) Program Manager, this role will significantly contribute to the implementation of AECOM’s Climate Strategy with responsibility for operational emissions (Scope 1, 2 and business travel) reduction to support the achievement of science-based net zero by 2040 and interim carbon reduction goals. The role holder will also guide the procurement of climate commodities including renewable energy and carbon credits to mitigate interim operational emissions. This is a significant opportunity for an ambitious candidate to drive operational change, reduce carbon and be a key person progressing one of AECOM’s top strategic priorities.

This position will offer flexibility for hybrid work schedules (including a combination of both in-office and virtual/telecommute work) and can be based from a variety of locations in the United States or United Kingdom.

Job Responsibilities

As a key member of the CNZ you will:

• Support the development of AECOM’s Scope 1, 2 and business travel decarbonisation roadmap, including opportunity cost analysis, stakeholder engagement and communications, regional budgeting/implementation planning
• Project manage scope 1, 2 and business travel initiative implementation (e.g. decarbonizing fleet vehicles, increasing renewable energy use, encouraging sustainable modes of travel), in collaboration with Corporate and regional Fleet, Real Estate, Facilities Management, Operational and Safety, Health & Environment and Travel teams
• Provide advice and guidance on how to reduce emissions from fleet, offices and business travel for a global network of stakeholders
• Responsible for procurement and investment strategies for climate commodities including renewable electricity and carbon credits
• Support the global development of Green Teams and associates program
• Support AECOM’s annual emissions calculation and verification program, including the development and implementation of data improvement initiatives,
• Line management responsibility for the Scope 1, 2 and Business Travel Data Lead as a key member of the Data Workstream
• Assist with reporting and communications with key stakeholder groups including, AECOM ELT, ESG Council, Sustainable Legacies Steering Committee and regional ESG implementation teams.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop regular internal and external communications on ESG
• Be an active member of the CNZ and participate in all meetings, forums, workshops.
• Keep up to date with the latest climate science and ESG trends, and the implications for the industry and clients (including coordinating with sustainability practitioners to do so)

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS plus at least 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Exceptional communication skills including the ability to achieve results through advocacy and persuasion to influence internal policy, procurement decisions, and behaviours
• The ability to operate with credibility both at a senior level and also globally across the business – comfortable reporting into and engaging with senior executives and advising on progress and challenges

Preferred Experience

• Experience of how to transition vehicle fleet to Ultra Low Emissions
• Experience in decarbonising real estate, travel and of renewable energy markets
• Understanding of relevant policy, particularly in key geographies
• Experience working in similarly large, complex, global organizations including flexibility to support a variety of global time zones
• Experience in decarbonisation strategic planning and implementation of initiatives, particularly in the USA
• Experience in operational improvement & change management
• Experience in developing and implementing climate commodity procurement strategies for offsets and renewable energy
• Experience in supporting detailed data analysis (with awareness of market-based vs location-based Scope 2 reporting)
• Self-starter, able to work independently for periods