Head of Design & Build Director, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design & Build Director, Water UK&I

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Sector Infrastructure Leadership / Design & Build Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-04-13T08:39:48.207

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the strategic growth and market penetration for AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) services within the UK & Ireland Water sector, focusing on contractor-led opportunities.

• Drive business development initiatives, cultivate key relationships with major water sector contractors, and oversee the pursuit of high-value D&B projects and frameworks.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

• Accountable for the overall commercial success, operational delivery, and client satisfaction for the contractor-led D&B business segment, ensuring alignment with the Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function within AECOM's Water UK&I business, with a clear mandate to drive growth specifically within the Design & Build (D&B) contractor market. The emphasis on accountability for the market strategy and growth plan, coupled with reporting lines to senior leadership (Managing Director, Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth), indicates a strategic and commercially focused position with significant P&L influence. The target audience for this role would be seasoned leaders with deep expertise in the UK water sector and a proven ability to win and deliver D&B projects through contractor partnerships.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan, aligning with the overarching Water UK&I Strategic Plan and global D&B strategies.

• Cultivate and maintain robust, strategic partnerships with key D&B contractors, designers, and other stakeholders within the water sector to identify and pursue new opportunities proactively.

• Lead work-winning efforts, including the development of compelling proposals, effective bid governance, and strategic Go/No-Go decision-making for major D&B projects and frameworks.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively engaging with contractors, monitoring performance metrics (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and implementing continuous improvement actions.

• Champion AECOM's values, including a strong commitment to Health, Safety, and Environment (SH&E), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and employee engagement, ensuring these are embedded within the D&B team's operations and culture.

• Collaborate effectively with Client Account Managers to identify, track, and integrate new opportunities into business planning systems, ensuring proactive positioning and resource allocation.

• Work in close collaboration with Business Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, leading recruitment efforts for strategic and senior roles within the D&B function.

• Leverage AECOM's global capabilities and expertise by collaborating with teams across Europe and worldwide to deliver complex, multidisciplinary D&B projects and programmes.

• Oversee the successful delivery of major contractor-led projects and programmes, ensuring adherence to project governance, quality standards, and SH&E policies.

• Act as a visible leader, enhancing AECOM Water's profile and communicating the contractor-led market strategy effectively through internal and external channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic market development, commercial acumen for work acquisition, team leadership, and operational oversight. The emphasis on "contractor-led" implies a focus on securing AECOM's role as a design consultant or integrated delivery partner within larger construction contracts led by main contractors. This requires a nuanced understanding of procurement routes, risk allocation, and collaboration models prevalent in the UK water D&B market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience within the infrastructure sector, with a significant focus on the UK & Ireland water market.

• Proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and commercial management within a consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier environment.

• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary leadership and project teams, preferably in a matrixed multinational organization.

• Extensive experience in securing major frameworks, winning new D&B opportunities, and growing existing contracts within the water utility and associated sectors.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Market Development: Ability to define and execute market strategies for growth in the contractor-led Design & Build space.

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven expertise in identifying, pursuing, and securing significant D&B projects and frameworks.

• Commercial & Contract Management: Strong acumen in commercial negotiations, contract terms, risk assessment, and financial oversight for large-scale projects.

• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop diverse, multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Client Relationship Management: Expertise in building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with key contractor clients and stakeholders.

• UK Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water and wastewater market, including key players, challenges, and opportunities.

• Health, Safety & Environment (SH&E): Commitment to and proven experience in driving robust SH&E culture and performance.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Active championing and implementation of EDI principles within team leadership and organizational culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a global, matrixed consultancy or engineering firm.

• Familiarity with European socio-political and economic drivers influencing the water sector.

• Proficiency in data-led performance improvement initiatives and advanced analytics for business insights.

• Experience with integrated project delivery or collaborative contracting models.

• Strong understanding of digital innovation and its application in water infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize senior leadership and deep sector-specific experience. The "10+" years of experience aligns with a Director-level role. The emphasis on "contractor-led" means candidates need to demonstrate experience working with or for main contractors, or a strong ability to partner with them effectively from a consultancy perspective, understanding their motivations and procurement strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Growth Initiatives: Documented examples of developing and implementing successful market growth strategies, particularly in challenging or competitive environments.

• Major Project Wins & Delivery: Case studies showcasing successful acquisition and delivery of significant Design & Build projects within the water sector, detailing AECOM's role and impact.

• Contractor Partnership Models: Evidence of building and nurturing strategic relationships with key contractors, illustrating collaborative approaches and mutual success.

• Commercial & Financial Performance: Demonstrated ability to manage project financials, improve profitability, and achieve commercial targets, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Team Leadership & Development: Examples of building, leading, and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams, including talent development and succession planning.

Process Documentation:

• Market Strategy Framework: A clear outline of how you would approach developing and implementing a market strategy for the contractor-led D&B space, including key analysis phases, stakeholder engagement, and execution steps.

• Work-Winning Process: A detailed description of your approach to opportunity identification, qualification, proposal development, bid governance, and Go/No-Go decision-making.

• Performance Management System: An explanation of how you would establish and manage performance monitoring for both projects and team members, including the use of KPIs, client feedback mechanisms (e.g., NPS), and continuous improvement loops.

• SH&E & EDI Integration: Processes for embedding Health, Safety & Environment and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion principles into daily operations, project delivery, and team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, the portfolio should showcase strategic thinking, commercial success, and leadership impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss frameworks for market analysis, business development pipelines, risk management, and team development. The emphasis on "contractor-led" means demonstrating experience in understanding and navigating contractor procurement and delivery models is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to extensive training programs, professional development resources, and opportunities for advancement within AECOM's global network.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: A structured hybrid approach offering a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility to support work-life integration.

• Technical Practice Networks: Membership and participation in AECOM's global technical communities, fostering knowledge sharing and best practice across disciplines.

• AECOM University: A dedicated platform for lifelong learning, offering a wide array of courses, workshops, and certifications to enhance skills and knowledge.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to engage in community service and support charitable causes, reflecting AECOM's commitment to social responsibility.

• Comprehensive Health and Well-being Programs: Support for employee well-being, potentially including private medical insurance, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives.

• Pension Scheme: A competitive employer-contributed pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial security for dependents.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid working model offers flexibility in how and where these hours are worked, subject to business needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for senior leadership positions in major UK infrastructure consulting firms, considering the London location and the strategic importance of the role. Benefits are tailored to reflect AECOM's stated offerings and are typical for senior roles in large, publicly traded corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services from advisory and design to program and construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a robust organizational structure.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990, building on a legacy of firms dating back to the early 20th century. This long history provides deep industry expertise and a stable foundation for growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Water UK&I business unit, which comprises approximately 600 professionals. The Head of Design & Build Director will be a key member of the Water UK&I leadership team.

• Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Water, with close collaboration with other Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, and Commercial Director.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using data analytics to inform business strategy, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement, including the use of Net Promoter Score (NPS) for client satisfaction.

• Project Lifecycle Management: A systematic approach to managing projects from initial advisory and planning through design, engineering, program management, and construction.

• Innovation & Digital Solutions: Commitment to leveraging advanced technical and digital expertise to solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver sustainable legacies.

• Collaborative Delivery: Encouraging teamwork across disciplines, geographies, and with external partners to achieve optimal project outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by its global reach, commitment to sustainability, and focus on delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. The emphasis on a "better world" and "legacy" suggests a mission-driven organization. The size implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant influence. The "hybrid work" model is a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, signifying a senior leadership role with significant strategic responsibility and accountability for a specific market segment (Design & Build within Water UK&I). It involves shaping business strategy, driving commercial performance, and leading a substantial team.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high level of visibility and direct influence on the business unit's strategy and performance. Close collaboration with other Directors (Strategy & Growth, Commercial) is also a key aspect.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue growth and market position within the UK & Ireland water sector, specifically by capturing a larger share of the Design & Build market. Success in this role contributes significantly to AECOM's overall business objectives and its mission to deliver a better world through infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand leadership scope to encompass broader market segments or additional geographies within AECOM's Water business.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to play a key role in shaping AECOM's global water strategy and contributing to major international initiatives.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources, including AECOM University, technical networks, and leadership development programs, to further enhance expertise in strategic leadership, market dynamics, and emerging trends in the water sector.

• Mentorship & Succession: Potential to mentor future leaders and contribute to succession planning within the Water UK&I business leadership team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Head of" title and reporting line confirm this as a senior strategic role. Growth opportunities are likely to involve increasing P&L responsibility, broader strategic influence, and potential progression to higher leadership tiers within AECOM's international operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and office-based presence. AECOM offers flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.

Office Location(s): Primary location is specified as UK - London - Aldgate Tower. However, the listing also mentions "Exeter, United Kingdom" as an alternative location, suggesting flexibility. The hybrid model implies that regular attendance at the primary London office will be required for collaboration, team meetings, and strategic discussions, alongside remote work capability.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices, with opportunities for in-person interaction at the London office for team building, strategic planning, and client engagement.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to AECOM's suite of digital tools and technologies to support project delivery, communication, and data management, essential for managing a distributed team and complex projects.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The role demands constant interaction with various internal teams (Water UK&I leadership, Global Water teams, Client Account Managers) and external stakeholders (contractors, designers), fostering a dynamic and interactive work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (approx. 40 hours per week). The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in structuring these hours, allowing for a balance between personal needs and business requirements, such as attending key project meetings or client engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while ensuring operational effectiveness through planned in-office collaboration. The primary London location indicates a central hub for strategic activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications against the core requirements, focusing on leadership experience, sector expertise, and business development track record.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Managing Director of Water) and potentially other senior leaders to assess strategic thinking, leadership style, commercial acumen, and cultural fit. Expect questions on market strategy, growth initiatives, and team management.

• Panel Interview/Assessment Centre: This may involve a presentation on a strategic topic (e.g., market growth plan), a case study related to winning and delivering D&B projects, or behavioral interviews assessing competencies like leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. Portfolio review may occur here.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive or a cross-functional panel to confirm suitability and discuss long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Showcase your strategic planning and execution capabilities. Detail how you identified market opportunities and developed actionable plans that led to tangible growth.

• Commercial Acumen: Present case studies demonstrating your success in winning major contracts, managing commercial risks, and achieving profitability targets. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., revenue growth, contract value secured).

• Leadership & Team Building: Illustrate your ability to build, motivate, and lead diverse, high-performing teams. Highlight examples of talent development and fostering a positive team culture.

• Contractor Partnership: Provide examples of successful collaborations with contractors, demonstrating your understanding of their business and ability to forge strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

• Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Growth Strategy Presentation: Be prepared to present a high-level strategy for growing AECOM's Design & Build business within the UK Water sector, addressing market challenges, competitive landscape, and key growth levers.

• Work Winning Scenario: Practice articulating your approach to evaluating a major D&B opportunity, including risk assessment, bid strategy, and Go/No-Go recommendation rationale.

• Leadership & Culture Discussion: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you foster EDI and SH&E, and how you drive performance and engagement within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director-level role will be rigorous, focusing on strategic impact, commercial success, and leadership capabilities. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable achievements in business development, project acquisition, and team leadership within the water sector is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce): Essential for managing sales pipelines, tracking opportunities, customer interactions, and forecasting revenue for the contractor-led market. Proficiency in using CRM for strategic business development is key.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asite): While not directly managing projects, understanding how these tools are used for D&B project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation is important for oversight and governance.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word): Advanced proficiency in Excel for financial analysis, P&L management, and data interpretation; PowerPoint for strategic presentations and client proposals; Word for contract documentation and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Ability to interpret and leverage data dashboards for market analysis, performance monitoring, pipeline review, and strategic decision-making. Understanding how to derive insights from business performance data is crucial.

• Financial Reporting Systems: Familiarity with internal financial reporting tools and processes to track project profitability, revenue, and forecast financial performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce or similar: As mentioned, critical for pipeline management and sales forecasting.

• Internal AECOM Systems: Likely a suite of proprietary or integrated enterprise systems for project management, financial control, HR, and collaboration. Understanding how to navigate and leverage these within a large, global organization is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategic and leadership-focused, a strong understanding of the tools used for pipeline management, project oversight, and data analysis is necessary to provide effective governance and strategic direction. Proficiency in CRM and BI tools for business development and performance tracking is particularly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Deliver a Better World: A core company purpose driving a focus on sustainable, impactful infrastructure solutions that benefit society and the environment.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and client interactions.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): A commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and able to contribute their unique talents. This role is expected to actively champion EDI.

• Innovation: Encouraging pioneering mindsets, seeking new solutions, and embracing technological advancements to solve complex challenges.

• Collaboration: Fostering a global, one-team approach, working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of professional performance, client service, and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various internal departments (commercial, strategy, global water teams) and external partners (contractors, designers) to ensure integrated project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are valued, particularly within the leadership team and with direct reports.

• Global & Local Synergy: Balancing the needs of the local UK&I market with AECOM's global strategies and resources, fostering a collaborative approach that leverages international expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values are central to its identity. For this role, demonstrating a strong commitment to EDI and SH&E, alongside a collaborative and results-oriented approach, will be key to cultural fit. The "Deliver a Better World" purpose should inform strategic decisions and project execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector, particularly in Design & Build, is highly competitive. Differentiating AECOM and securing a significant market share requires a strong value proposition and deep contractor relationships.

• Navigating Contractor Procurement: Understanding and adapting to the diverse procurement models and risk appetites of different main contractors is crucial for successful engagement.

• Resource Management: Balancing demand for D&B services with the availability of skilled technical and project management resources, especially for specialized roles, can be challenging.

• Driving Cultural Change: As a leader, fostering a proactive, growth-oriented culture that fully embraces EDI and SH&E principles across the D&B segment requires continuous effort and leadership.

• Integration of Global Capabilities: Effectively leveraging AECOM's global expertise and resources to meet local UK&I D&B project needs while ensuring seamless delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Access to advanced leadership training programs focused on market strategy, financial management, and executive decision-making.

• Industry Trends & Technology: Continuous learning on emerging trends in water infrastructure, D&B methodologies, digital transformation, and sustainability practices through AECOM's technical networks and external professional development.

• Networking: Opportunities to expand professional networks with senior leaders across the UK water sector, contractor organizations, and AECOM's global leadership.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior executives within AECOM or to mentor emerging talent, further honing leadership and strategic skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior leadership role focused on market growth in a competitive industry. The emphasis on continuous learning and leadership development aligns with AECOM's commitment to employee growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategic approach to penetrating and growing market share in the contractor-led Design & Build segment of the UK water industry. What are the key levers you would focus on?"

  • Preparation: Outline a framework including market segmentation, competitive analysis, value proposition development, key partnership strategies, and resource planning.

• "How do you build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with main contractors, understanding their business drivers and integrating AECOM's services effectively into their project delivery?"

  • Preparation: Discuss strategies for understanding contractor needs, demonstrating value, managing expectations, and fostering collaborative partnerships that lead to repeat business.

• "Walk us through your process for evaluating and deciding whether to bid on a major Design & Build opportunity. What are the critical factors in your Go/No-Go decision?"

  • Preparation: Detail your risk assessment methodology, commercial viability checks, resource availability, strategic alignment, and competitive positioning evaluation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody and promote AECOM's values of 'Deliver a Better World,' Integrity, EDI, and Innovation within a leadership team and across your direct reports?"

  • Preparation: Provide specific examples of how you have championed these values in previous roles, particularly concerning team culture, project execution, and stakeholder engagement.

• "AECOM operates in a hybrid work environment. How would you lead and motivate a diverse team that may be working remotely or in the office, ensuring strong collaboration and high performance?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your approach to communication, team building, performance management, and fostering an inclusive culture in a hybrid setting.

• "What is your experience with driving SH&E performance and embedding robust safety cultures within project delivery teams?"

  • Preparation: Share examples of initiatives you've led or contributed to that improved safety metrics and fostered a proactive safety mindset.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the quantifiable results achieved – e.g., revenue growth percentage, value of contracts secured, efficiency improvements made, client satisfaction scores increased.

• Showcase Strategy & Leadership: Focus on your role in shaping strategy, leading teams, and overcoming significant challenges. Demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, not just technical execution.

• Contractor Focus: Highlight projects where you successfully partnered with contractors, demonstrating your understanding of their unique requirements and how AECOM added significant value to their endeavors.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Present your portfolio in a structured, easy-to-understand format. Be prepared to walk through key examples concisely, highlighting the most relevant achievements for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic vision, commercial success, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the UK water sector and D&B contracting landscape. Candidates should be ready to discuss specific examples that align with AECOM's values and operational priorities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supporting documents to highlight your experience in strategic leadership, business development within the water sector, contractor relationship management, and Design & Build project acquisition. Emphasize quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your senior leadership experience, commercial acumen, and success in growing businesses or market segments. Use keywords relevant to the job description, such as "Design & Build," "Water Sector," "Contractor Market," "Business Development," and "Strategic Growth."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the job description and company information. Prepare specific examples and case studies that demonstrate your qualifications for each key responsibility and requirement. Practice articulating your strategic vision and leadership approach.

• Company Research: Deep dive into AECOM's recent projects, annual reports, and news releases, particularly concerning their Water business in the UK&I and their approach to Design & Build. Understand their stated values and strategic priorities to align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.