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 (with potential for Chesterfield, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Sector Infrastructure Operations & Strategy

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution for AECOM's Design and Build (D&B) contractor market segment within the Water UK&I business.

• Drive significant business growth and market share expansion by cultivating strong partnerships with key water sector contractors and designers.

• Provide senior leadership and oversight for major contractor-led D&B projects, ensuring successful delivery, client satisfaction, and adherence to SH&E standards.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive market strategy, working collaboratively with internal leadership and global teams to enhance AECOM's position in the contractor-led space.

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team environment, championing AECOM's values and promoting continuous professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position focused on business development and strategic growth within a specialized market segment (Design & Build contractors in the Water sector). It requires a blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, strong leadership, and deep understanding of the UK water industry and its contracting landscape. The emphasis on "contractor-led" signifies a focus on working with entities that manage both the design and construction phases of projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the contractor-led Design & Build market within the Water UK&I sector, aligning with the overall Water UK&I strategic objectives.

• Proactively identify, monitor, and track new business opportunities in collaboration with Client Account Managers and Business Directors, ensuring timely integration into business planning systems.

• Build and maintain robust, high-value partnerships with key water sector contractors and designers to secure targeted project pursuits.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor-led market through effective internal and external communication of market strategy and capabilities.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively engaging with contractors, monitoring performance, and implementing data-led improvement actions, including leveraging Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback.

• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that exemplifies AECOM's values, champions Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and promotes employee engagement and continuous development.

• Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, leading strategic recruitment for senior and critical roles within the D&B team.

• Partner with global and European teams to leverage AECOM's multidisciplinary strengths, ensuring seamless project delivery and work-winning success for complex D&B projects.

• Oversee and provide governance for major contractor-led projects and programmes through the bid governance and Go/No-Go process, and support governance for smaller pursuits.

• Champion and ensure the effective implementation of AECOM's Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) policies and procedures, driving a strong SH&E culture and achieving key metrics for the Water business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on strategic market development, client relationship management within the contractor space, team leadership, and operational oversight of bid processes and project delivery from a leadership perspective. The emphasis on SH&E and EDI underscores AECOM's commitment to corporate responsibility and employee well-being.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience within a complex, preferably multinational, consultancy, contractor, or key supplier organization within the water sector.

• Proven track record of successfully building and leading high-performing leadership teams and complex multidisciplinary project teams, particularly in a matrixed environment.

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing market growth strategies, specifically within the UK & Ireland water markets, with a deep understanding of key contractors and tender processes.

• Demonstrated success in securing major frameworks, winning new business opportunities, and growing existing contract portfolios.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Market Leadership: Ability to define and execute a growth strategy for the contractor-led D&B market.

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven success in identifying, pursuing, and securing significant project opportunities and frameworks.

• Commercial & Contract Management: Deep understanding of contract negotiation, management, and bid governance processes.

• Client Relationship Management: Expertise in building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key contractor clients.

• Team Leadership & Development: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing diverse, multidisciplinary teams, including senior talent.

• UK Water Market Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water sector, its key players (contractors, designers), and the socio-political and economic drivers.

• SH&E Leadership: Commitment to and proven experience in driving a strong safety, health, and environment culture.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation for major projects and business units.

Preferred Skills:

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and championing diversity initiatives.

• Performance Management: Experience in implementing data-led performance improvements and utilizing metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS).

• Global Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with international teams and leverage global expertise.

• Digital Innovation: Awareness of and ability to leverage digital tools and solutions in project delivery and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role, a formal degree is typically implied but not explicitly stated. The emphasis on "10+" years of experience aligns with a Director-level position. The skills are directly derived from the responsibilities, highlighting the blend of strategic, commercial, and leadership capabilities required.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Growth Plans: Examples of market analysis, strategic planning documents, and executed growth initiatives within the water sector or similar infrastructure markets.

• Business Development Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful work-winning campaigns, including tender strategies, client engagement approaches, and secured contract values.

• Project & Program Oversight Examples: Documentation illustrating leadership in governing major Design & Build projects, including risk management, bid review processes (Go/No-Go), and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Commercial Negotiation & Contract Management Frameworks: Evidence of frameworks or processes developed for commercial negotiation, contract oversight, and dispute resolution within large-scale projects.

• Team Development & Leadership Frameworks: Examples of strategies, programs, or structures implemented to build, develop, and manage high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Process Documentation:

• Market Strategy Development & Implementation: Detailed documentation of processes used to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, develop strategic plans, and monitor execution for the contractor-led segment.

• Bid Governance & Review Process: Clear outlines of structured processes for evaluating tender opportunities, conducting Go/No-Go assessments, and ensuring bid quality and compliance.

• Client Engagement & Performance Management: Documented processes for building and nurturing contractor client relationships, including feedback mechanisms (e.g., NPS) and continuous improvement loops.

• SH&E Policy Implementation & Monitoring: Evidence of processes for embedding and enforcing SH&E policies across projects and teams, including incident reporting and safety culture initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, a "portfolio" would likely manifest in strategic documents, high-level process frameworks, and demonstrable achievements rather than granular project deliverables. The focus is on the candidate's ability to design and implement strategic processes and oversee their execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Director-level roles in infrastructure consulting in London, with significant leadership and business development responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range would be approximately £120,000 - £180,000. This is dependent on the candidate's specific experience, track record, and negotiation.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing similar senior leadership positions in major engineering and construction consultancies in the UK, considering factors such as geographic location (London premium), sector (Water/Infrastructure), experience level (10+ years senior leadership), and responsibilities (P&L oversight, business growth, team management). Data sources include industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports for senior engineering and infrastructure roles, and publicly available compensation data for comparable public companies.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, professional development programs, and pathways for advancement within AECOM.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Ability to balance work between home and office, promoting work-life balance.

• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to connect with subject matter experts across AECOM globally.

• AECOM University: Access to a dedicated learning platform for continuous skill enhancement.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives.

• Comprehensive Health and Well-being Programs: Including health insurance, wellness initiatives, and mental health support.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a retirement savings plan.

• Performance-Based Bonus: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership and client-facing nature of the role, flexibility is expected to meet business demands, including potential travel and extended hours during critical bid or project phases. The hybrid model offers flexibility in structuring the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on market data for comparable roles and locations. Benefits are drawn directly from the job description, highlighting AECOM's commitment to employee growth and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded, global firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide, and approximately 600 people in its Water business in the UK&I. This signifies a stable, established organization with significant resources and a broad operational footprint.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, bringing over a century of experience and a legacy of delivering major infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design & Build Director will be part of the Water UK&I leadership team, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Water.

• They will collaborate closely with other Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, and AECOM Europe & India leadership.

• This role will also interface with Global Water and Contractor Market teams, indicating a matrixed organizational structure common in large consultancies.

Methodology:

• Data-Led Performance Improvement: AECOM emphasizes using data, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback, to drive improvements in client satisfaction and service delivery.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: The company follows structured approaches to market analysis, strategic planning, and implementation, ensuring alignment across global and regional operations.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: AECOM promotes working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and geographies to deliver complex infrastructure solutions.

• Commitment to SH&E and EDI: These are core operational principles integrated into daily practices and leadership expectations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes AECOM's scale, global reach, long history, and commitment to core values like innovation, collaboration, safety, and diversity. The Water UK&I team is substantial, and this role sits at a senior level within it, with significant cross-functional and international collaboration required.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior director-level role, equivalent to a Vice President or Senior Director in other organizations. It is a strategic leadership position with significant accountability for business unit performance, market growth, and team management within a specific segment of the Water business. The scope includes P&L influence, strategic decision-making, and high-level stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design & Build Director reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This places them within the senior leadership group of the Water business, with direct influence on its strategic direction and operational execution. They will also have dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with global and regional water and contractor market leads.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on AECOM's revenue and profitability within the UK&I water sector, specifically through the growth of the contractor-led Design & Build market. Success in this role contributes to securing major infrastructure projects, enhancing AECOM's reputation with key industry players, and driving the company's mission to "deliver a better world." The role is instrumental in shaping the future of water infrastructure delivery by influencing how projects are designed and built.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher executive roles within AECOM's Water division or broader infrastructure business, such as Regional Director or Global Head of a specific practice area.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape AECOM's long-term strategy in the critical UK water infrastructure market and influence global D&B strategies.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources, including leadership training, executive coaching, and opportunities to attend industry forums and conferences.

• Mentorship & Networking: Ability to mentor emerging leaders and build a strong professional network within the water industry and AECOM's global leadership ranks.

• Broader Business Unit Oversight: Potential to expand responsibilities to cover additional market segments or business lines within AECOM's Water division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a typical corporate hierarchy and highlights its strategic importance and potential for future growth within a large, global organization. The impact is measured in revenue, market share, and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model, meaning employees will typically split their time between working remotely and in AECOM offices. The primary specified office location is London (Aldgate Tower), with an alternative mention of Chesterfield, suggesting flexibility or multiple operational hubs. This model is designed to support work-life balance and collaboration.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: London, United Kingdom (Aldgate Tower specifically mentioned). This implies a central business district location with access to major transport links.

• Alternative/Secondary: Chesterfield, United Kingdom. This may indicate a regional hub or a site with specific project or operational relevance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, coupled with AECOM's emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional work, suggests an office environment designed for team interaction, meetings, and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology & Tools: As a leading infrastructure consultancy, AECOM will provide access to advanced digital tools, project management software, and communication platforms necessary for managing complex projects and global teams.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and subject matter experts, both in person and virtually, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model provides flexibility in how and where these hours are completed, allowing employees to structure their week to balance office-based collaboration with remote work for focused tasks.

• Flexibility is expected for senior roles to accommodate client needs, project deadlines, and business development activities, which may involve travel or extended hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and the integration of technology, aligning with modern professional expectations for senior roles in large, global organizations. The hybrid model is a key feature, offering work-life balance while maintaining team connectivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter by HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess alignment with core requirements.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager): A focused discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to delve into your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, experience in the water sector and D&B market, and cultural fit.

• Panel Interview: This may involve interviews with other senior leaders within the Water business or relevant functional heads (e.g., Commercial Director, other Business Directors). Expect questions probing your experience in business development, commercial management, team leadership, and strategic problem-solving.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You might be asked to prepare a presentation or respond to a strategic challenge (e.g., "How would you grow our D&B contractor market share by X% in 3 years?"). This assesses your strategic thinking, planning capabilities, and communication skills.

• Final Interview/Executive Review: Potentially a final conversation with a higher-level executive or a senior leadership committee to confirm suitability and alignment with AECOM's overall strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategic Impact: For a Director role, your "portfolio" should showcase strategic thinking and quantifiable business impact. This could include:

  • Strategic Growth Plans: Summaries of past market analyses and successful growth strategies implemented.
  • Key Account Management Successes: Case studies of building and nurturing relationships with major contractor clients, leading to significant contract wins.
  • Bid Governance & Work Winning: Examples of your role in Go/No-Go decisions, bid strategy development, and securing major frameworks or projects.
  • Team Leadership Frameworks: Evidence of how you've built and developed high-performing teams.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate your impact – e.g., percentage increase in revenue, contract value secured, market share growth, client satisfaction improvements (NPS scores).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation or discussion points logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by responsibility area. Be ready to articulate the "what," "how," and "why" behind your successes.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's current strategic priorities in the water sector and demonstrate how your experience and vision align with their goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis & Strategy: Be prepared to discuss the current state of the UK water D&B market, key challenges and opportunities, and your proposed strategies for AECOM to capitalize on them.

• Stakeholder Management: Anticipate questions on how you would manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, internal AECOM teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Risk Management: Understand how you would identify and mitigate risks associated with large D&B projects and market expansion.

• Leadership & Culture: Be ready to discuss your leadership style, how you foster EDI, and how you drive performance and engagement within teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review advice are tailored for a senior leadership role, emphasizing strategic thinking, business impact, and leadership capabilities over granular execution details. The focus is on how the candidate can drive business growth and manage complex operations at a strategic level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): For managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and pipeline management. Essential for business development and account management.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Oracle Primavera, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com): For overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of major Design & Build projects.

• Financial Management & ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials): For budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and financial reporting at a business unit level.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): For communication, document sharing, and virtual team collaboration, especially crucial in a hybrid work environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): For developing dashboards and reports on market performance, project financials, client satisfaction (NPS), and operational efficiency.

• Excel/Advanced Analytics Software: For detailed financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis related to business growth and project profitability.

CRM & Automation:

• Contract Management Systems: Specialized software for managing complex D&B contracts, tracking milestones, liabilities, and payments.

• Bid Management Software: Tools that assist in the preparation and submission of complex bids and proposals.

• Internal AECOM Systems: Likely proprietary or customized systems for client management, project delivery, and HR functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, proficiency isn't necessarily about hands-on daily use but understanding the strategic application and oversight of these systems for business development, project governance, and performance management. The emphasis is on leveraging these tools for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, particularly in client relationships and bid processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of partnership across disciplines, business units, and geographies to deliver integrated solutions.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively promoting a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. This is a stated leadership expectation.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in project delivery, client service, and adopting innovative approaches to complex challenges.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the health and safety of employees and communities, and contributing to sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working across different AECOM business lines (e.g., Water, Transportation, Buildings) and functional departments (Commercial, Finance, HR) to deliver comprehensive D&B solutions.

• Partnership with Contractors: Building authentic, collaborative relationships with D&B contractors, viewing them as essential partners in project success rather than just clients.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging transparent communication and a culture where feedback is welcomed and acted upon, particularly regarding client satisfaction and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams, both within the UK&I and globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is defined by AECOM's overarching corporate values, with a specific emphasis on leadership's role in championing EDI and fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment. The collaboration style is geared towards integrated project delivery and strong client/partner relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Market Dynamics: The UK water sector is undergoing significant transformation with evolving regulatory requirements and investment cycles. Adapting strategies to these changes will be crucial.

• Intense Contractor Competition: The Design & Build contractor market is highly competitive, requiring sophisticated work-winning strategies and strong value propositions.

• Managing Large-Scale Projects: Overseeing complex, multi-billion-pound D&B projects involves significant risk, demanding robust governance and proactive management.

• Balancing Global & Local Strategy: Integrating global AECOM capabilities with specific local market needs and contractor relationships requires deft management.

• Fostering a Unified Culture: Leading a diverse team in a hybrid environment and ensuring consistent adherence to AECOM's values and SH&E standards across all operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Formal training and executive coaching focused on advanced leadership, strategic planning, and P&L management.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to represent AECOM at key industry conferences, client forums, and professional bodies, enhancing visibility and network.

• Specialized Training: Access to courses on emerging trends in water infrastructure, D&B contracting models, sustainability, and digital transformation.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in AECOM’s mentorship initiatives, either as a mentor to emerging leaders or seeking guidance from senior executives.

• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from and contributing to AECOM's global network of water and D&B experts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around market realities, competitive pressures, and the complexities of large-scale operations. Growth opportunities are aligned with career progression, skill enhancement, and leadership development within a global consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a growth strategy for a contractor-led market segment within the water sector." (Focus on market analysis, opportunity identification, partnership building, and execution).

• "How would you position AECOM to win major Design & Build frameworks with key water sector contractors in the UK?" (Highlight your work-winning strategies, understanding of contractor needs, and value proposition).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM values Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. How have you championed these principles in your previous leadership roles, and how would you foster them within this team?" (Provide specific examples of initiatives and leadership behaviors).

• "How do you build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with contractor clients, especially in a competitive environment?" (Discuss your client management philosophy and partnership approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary First: Start with a high-level overview of your career achievements and strategic contributions, then drill down into specific examples.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate the scale and success of your initiatives (e.g., revenue growth achieved, contract values secured, efficiency gains).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes. Focus on your leadership role and decision-making.

• Align with AECOM's Vision: Explicitly connect your experience and proposed strategies to AECOM's mission, values, and current business objectives in the water sector.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle ambiguity or setbacks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, market understanding, and cultural alignment. Portfolio presentation advice focuses on showcasing strategic impact and quantifiable results relevant to a senior leadership role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise executive summary of your career achievements, focusing on your leadership in business development, strategic growth, and management of Design & Build projects within the water sector. Highlight quantifiable results like revenue growth, contract values secured, and market share increases.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your senior leadership experience, commercial acumen, and expertise in the UK water market and contractor landscape. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Head of Design & Build," "Water UK&I," "contractor-led market," "business development," "commercial management," and "SH&E."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for AECOM's D&B contractor business, your approach to leadership and team development, and your experience in winning and delivering major projects. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the UK water sector's challenges and opportunities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's current projects, strategic priorities in the water sector, and corporate values (especially EDI and Sustainability). Understand their position in the market and how this role contributes to their overall success.

⚠️ 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.

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