Program Manager

Program Manager

Hill International is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead an embedded program management team supporting a major aviation client's capital program. This is a senior leadership role that combines strategic program oversight with hands-on contract coordination, making it ideal for a professional who brings both executive presence and operational discipline.

The Aviation Program Manager serves as Hill's primary point of contact with client leadership, directs all facets of the program management contract, and ensures seamless day-to-day delivery of program management support services across a large-scale, multi-project Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Hill International offers a dynamic work environment where talented professionals are empowered to do their best work for clients who are shaping the built world. At Hill, you will:

• Lead high-visibility, high-impact work supporting a major aviation capital program in the Phoenix metro area.
• Join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of industry-leading professionals with deep national and international aviation program experience.
• Work in a role that carries real authority serving as the face of Hill to client leadership while managing a full program delivery team.
• Grow your career with access to Hill's global network, professional development resources, and a culture that values both performance and people.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Client Relations

• Serve as the senior Hill representative to client leadership and executive stakeholders, building and sustaining trusted relationships across all levels of the client organization.
• Set program objectives and strategic direction in alignment with the client's CIP goals; advise on prioritization, resource allocation, and program sequencing.
• Lead charettes, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions to advance design standards, program communications, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Conduct client expectation surveys and develop data-driven program management plans in close collaboration with client leadership.
• Proactively identify and manage program risks and opportunities, escalating issues with recommended solutions in a timely manner.

Contract & Operations Management

• Direct all aspects of contract performance across the prime and Qualified Vendor List (QVL) subconsultant base, ensuring personnel and task authorizations are executed in alignment with program scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide executive oversight of the monthly invoicing and cost reporting cycle, holding the team accountable for accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with client requirements.
• Maintain strategic visibility over contract budgets, expenditure forecasts, and financial trends; surface risks and variances early and direct corrective action as needed.
• Oversee operational readiness of the program team, including access credentialing and resource provisioning, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of contracted services.
• Champion SBE/DBE participation goals at a program level, directing reporting, compliance tracking, and outreach strategy in partnership with client stakeholders.

Staff Management & QVL Oversight

• Lead all aspects of QVL management, including drafting personnel authorizations, coordinating interview panels, developing scoring criteria, and onboarding selected consultants.
• Manage staff changes for both key personnel and QVL vendors; communicate proactively with DCS on timing, rationale, and transition planning.
• Promote a transparent, equitable, and auditable QVL selection process with a consistent emphasis on candidate skill over company affiliation.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture across Hill staff and QVL consultants; provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development support.
• Support community outreach and SBE/DBE engagement efforts in coordination with DCS and Aviation Department staff.

Program Controls & Technology

• Support implementation and ongoing use of the Program Management Information System (PMIS), leveraging Oracle Unifier and Oracle Primavera P6 to deliver real-time dashboards, cost reports, and schedule updates.
• Collaborate with the Project Controls Manager to develop master schedules, cash flow forecasts, and KPI reporting for client leadership and executive audiences.
• Ensure program documentation processes including Unifier workflows, document control procedures, and records retention meet client compliance and auditability standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in program management, contract management, or construction management with at least 3 years in a client-facing leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-project capital programs in an aviation, transportation, or comparable public infrastructure environment.
• Proficiency with SAP and Oracle Unifier or similar enterprise project management and financial systems.
• Experience administering contracts, managing subconsultant relationships, and leading QVL or similar vendor management processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with public agency executives, elected officials, and diverse project teams.
• Must be willing to work full time on-site in Phoenix, AZ.

Preferred

• Prior experience working in an embedded staff augmentation role for a public aviation or transportation agency, including familiarity with public procurement policies, badging procedures, and federal grant reporting requirements.
• Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 for program scheduling and progress reporting.
• Familiarity with TSheets or comparable time-tracking platforms for multi-vendor labor management.
• Knowledge of SBE/DBE compliance tracking and community outreach requirements for public agency contracts.
• PMP, CCM, or DBIA certification is a plus.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline is a plus.

Job Info

• Job Identification 15435
• Job Category Projects Management
• Locations Phoenix, AZ, United States