Digital Solutions Governance Manager at AECOM

Job Summary:

• AECOM is seeking a Digital Solutions Governance Manager to play a critical role in establishing, maintaining, and enhancing the organization's governance framework to ensure strategic alignment, optimize resource utilization, manage risk, and promote transparency and accountability across various business functions. This role leads a small team responsible for key governance pillars, facilitates critical cross-functional collaboration, and serves as the primary liaison between business lines and a central Governance Council.
• This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with three days per week required in the office and the remaining days available for remote work. We have offices in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Management (3 Direct Reports):

• Budget & Planning Analyst:
• Oversee the development, monitoring, and reporting of departmental and project budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial prudence.
• Guide the analysis of spending patterns, identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency.
• Approve budget proposals and provide financial insights to the Governance Council.
• Software Rationalization Specialist:
• Direct the ongoing inventory, assessment, and optimization of the organization's software application portfolio.
• Guide efforts to identify redundancies, consolidate applications, and recommend retirement or replacement strategies to reduce costs and complexity.
• Oversee the development of roadmaps for application modernization and simplification.
• License Management & Analytics Specialist:
• Lead the management of all software and service licenses, ensuring compliance with vendor agreements and optimizing license utilization.
• Guide the collection and analysis of license data to identify cost savings opportunities, mitigate compliance risks, and support strategic procurement decisions.
• Oversee the implementation and management of license management tools and processes.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management to direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Ensure clear communication of goals, expectations, and priorities within the team.
• Governance Framework & Policy:
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization's governance policies, procedures, and frameworks.
• Ensure that governance practices are aligned with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain documentation for all governance processes and decisions.
• Business Line Coordination & Facilitation:
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison between the central governance function and various regional business lines.
• Proactively engage with business stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and initiatives that require governance oversight or input.
• Facilitate workshops, information-gathering sessions, and working groups to drive governance initiatives and resolve cross-functional issues.
• Communicate governance policies, changes, and decisions effectively to business lines, ensuring understanding and adoption.
• Governance Council Management:
• Facilitate and coordinate regular meetings of the Governance Council, which is comprised of regional business leaders.
• Develop and distribute meeting agendas, materials, and minutes, ensuring timely and effective communication.
• Drive discussions, encourage participation, and synthesize diverse perspectives to enable effective decision-making by the Council.
• Track and report on action items, decisions, and outcomes from Council meetings.
• Prepare and present governance reports, metrics, and recommendations to the Governance Council and senior leadership.
• Risk Management & Compliance:
• Identify, assess, and monitor governance-related risks across the organization.
• Collaborate with relevant teams (e.g., Legal, Compliance, Audit) to ensure adherence to internal policies and external regulations.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and controls within the governance framework.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Information Technology, Project Management, or a related field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in governance, operations, finance, or IT management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role with direct reports.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing governance frameworks and policies.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, software lifecycle management, and license management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex discussions and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Skills:

• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Leadership & Team Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Facilitation & Negotiation
• Financial Acumen
• Risk Management
• Policy Development
• Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making
• Proficiency in governance tools and platforms (e.g., GRC software, portfolio management tools)

Preferred Requirements:

• Master's degree preferred.
• Certification in relevant governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ITIL) or project management (e.g., PMP) is a plus.