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 Operations & Business Development

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market penetration for contractor-led Design and Build (D&B) projects within the UK&I Water sector, a critical area for multi-billion-pound investment.

• Drive business development initiatives, focusing on securing major frameworks and new opportunities to expand AECOM's footprint in this market segment.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with key water sector contractors and designers, enabling targeted pursuit of high-value D&B projects.

• Accountable for the overall performance, client satisfaction, and strategic alignment of AECOM's D&B offerings to contractors, ensuring alignment with the Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Water UK&I leadership team, indicating a significant strategic influence and responsibility for a key growth area for AECOM. The emphasis on contractor-led D&B projects suggests a focus on winning work through partnerships with major construction firms rather than traditional client consulting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan, aligning with AECOM's overarching Water UK&I strategy.

• Collaborate with Client Account Managers and Business Directors to identify, track, and pursue new D&B opportunities, ensuring timely integration into business planning systems.

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

• Cultivate and nurture robust partnerships with water sector contractors and designers to facilitate the pursuit and acquisition of high-value D&B projects.

• Champion a client-centric approach, actively monitoring performance through metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and implementing continuous improvement actions to drive exceptional client satisfaction.

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, exemplifying AECOM's values and actively promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to drive employee engagement and professional development.

• Work collaboratively with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, leading recruitment efforts for strategic and senior D&B roles.

• Engage with global and European teams to leverage AECOM's multidisciplinary capabilities and expertise in winning complex D&B projects.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic business development, client relationship management, team leadership, and project governance, all within the specific context of contractor-led Design and Build projects in the UK&I water sector. The emphasis on SH&E and EDI underscores AECOM's commitment to corporate responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical), Construction Management, or a related technical field is typically expected for senior leadership roles in this sector. A Master's degree or professional chartership (e.g., CEng, PEng) would be advantageous.

Experience: Senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier, with a minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience. Proven success in developing and leading leadership teams and multidisciplinary project teams. Extensive commercial and contract management expertise is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier.

• Proven success in building and leading leadership teams and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors and their operational dynamics.

• Demonstrated ability to provide growth-focused leadership, encompassing talent development and coaching.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, including bid strategy and negotiation.

• Track record of securing major frameworks and winning new opportunities within the water sector.

• Strong client relationship management capabilities, with a focus on building and maintaining strategic partnerships.

• Solid attention to detail with experience in delivering effective health & safety initiatives and ensuring compliance.

• Experienced in motivating and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in developing and implementing market strategies and business growth plans.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design and Build (D&B) contracting models.

• Familiarity with advanced project delivery methodologies.

• Knowledge of European socio-political and economic drivers impacting infrastructure.

• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with driving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives.

• Experience with Net Promoter Score (NPS) implementation and performance monitoring.

• Proficiency in digital tools and technologies relevant to infrastructure project delivery and client management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical understanding of the water sector, strong commercial acumen, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the UK&I market landscape, particularly concerning Design and Build contractors. The inclusion of EDI as a leadership attribute is a key indicator of AECOM's company values.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership in growing business units or market segments within the water sector, ideally with a focus on contractor relationships.

• Include case studies that highlight successful bid strategies, framework wins, and project acquisition, with clear articulation of commercial outcomes and ROI.

• Present examples of developed and implemented market growth plans and strategic initiatives that led to tangible business expansion.

• Showcase experience in managing complex contractual agreements and demonstrating commercial acumen in high-value projects.

Process Documentation:

• Outline methodologies for market analysis, opportunity identification, and strategic positioning within the contractor-led D&B space.

• Detail processes for developing and presenting compelling bids and proposals that align with contractor procurement strategies.

• Describe approaches to client relationship management, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement based on feedback mechanisms like NPS.

• Illustrate the application of SH&E policies and procedures in project delivery and team management, with examples of achieving core safety metrics.

• Document strategies for fostering an inclusive and engaging team culture, including talent development and EDI integration into operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial impact, and leadership effectiveness in developing and executing business strategies within a complex operational environment. The focus will be on how the candidate has driven growth and managed significant D&B initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on seniority, location (London), and the strategic importance of the role, an estimated salary range for a Head of Design & Build Director in the UK Water sector would typically fall between £120,000 - £180,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior leadership positions in major engineering consultancies, considering the significant responsibilities for business growth and market leadership in a high-investment sector.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to AECOM University, technical practice networks, and ongoing professional development programs.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Options to balance work from home and in the office, promoting work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health & Well-being: Core benefits designed to support employee well-being, adapted to individual lifestyles.

• Volunteering Days: Paid opportunities to contribute to community initiatives.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive pension contributions.

• Life Assurance: Coverage for employees.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work, aligning with project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar senior leadership roles in large engineering and construction firms in London, factoring in the specialized nature of the Water UK&I sector and the strategic imperative of the D&B contractor market. AECOM's benefits package emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Engineering, Design, Planning, Program Management) with a strong focus on the Water sector. AECOM operates globally, serving both public and private sector clients on complex infrastructure challenges.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This large size signifies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a broad range of project opportunities. For operations professionals, it means potential for internal mobility, access to diverse expertise, and established processes, but also the need to navigate a complex matrixed environment.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back to 1910, with significant growth through acquisitions and organic expansion. This long history suggests stability, a deep understanding of the infrastructure market, and a culture that evolves with industry trends while maintaining core values.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it within the senior leadership of the Water business unit. Collaboration is expected with other Business Directors (Strategy & Growth, Commercial), AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water/Contractor Market teams.

• The position leads the contractor-led Design and Build market segment, implying a dedicated team or a virtual team of individuals focused on this area, working alongside broader client account management and project delivery functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Led Performance Improvement: Emphasis on using data, such as NPS, to monitor performance and drive improvements in client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

• Strategic Market Planning: Developing and implementing structured plans for business growth, market entry, and competitive positioning, particularly in niche segments like contractor-led D&B.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: Leveraging multidisciplinary teams and global expertise to deliver complex infrastructure projects, with a focus on work-winning capabilities and effective bid governance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and history indicate a company with established processes and a global reach. The Water UK&I business is positioned for significant investment, making this role strategically vital. The emphasis on a matrixed environment and cross-functional collaboration is typical for large consultancies and requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, likely equivalent to Vice President or Director level within a specialized business unit. It involves significant strategic responsibility, P&L oversight (implicitly), team leadership, and market development within the Water sector, specifically focusing on the Design and Build contractor segment. The scope is broad, encompassing business strategy, client engagement, and operational oversight for a key growth area.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This senior reporting line signifies the strategic importance of the role and direct access to top-level decision-making within the Water business.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build Director has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue, market share, and strategic positioning within the UK&I water infrastructure market. Success in this role will drive significant project wins, enhance client relationships with key contractors, and contribute to the overall profitability and growth of the Water business. The role is pivotal in shaping AECOM's engagement with the evolving landscape of infrastructure delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within AECOM's Water business, across different geographies, or into executive positions within the wider AECOM organization.

• Market Specialization: Deepen expertise in the contractor-led Design and Build market, becoming a recognized authority and thought leader in this specific domain.

• Global Collaboration: Opportunities to work on international projects and initiatives, leveraging AECOM's global network and contributing to global strategic objectives.

• Influence on Industry Standards: Potential to shape best practices and influence the direction of Design and Build project delivery within the UK&I water sector through thought leadership and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in a career within infrastructure consulting, offering a clear path to higher executive leadership. The combination of strategic, commercial, and leadership responsibilities provides a well-rounded development experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid. This suggests a blend of working from AECOM's offices, potentially in London or Manchester, and working remotely. AECOM offices are typically professional, collaborative environments designed to support client meetings, team collaboration, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Primary location is London, with an indication of Manchester as an alternative. AECOM has multiple offices across the UK, providing flexibility for employees. The Aldgate Tower in London is noted as the primary location, a central and well-connected business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective use of office time for team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and fostering cross-functional relationships. Expect a dynamic office setting that encourages interaction.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams), project management software, and potentially specialized design and data analysis tools common in the engineering and consulting sector.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and client representatives, both virtually and in person. The role requires strong communication and networking skills to build rapport and influence stakeholders across various levels and functions.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs and project deadlines. The emphasis is on achieving objectives and maintaining performance standards, rather than strict adherence to traditional office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring individuals to be self-disciplined and effective in managing their time and communication across different locations. The London office location suggests access to a major business hub and a diverse talent pool.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment specialist, focusing on alignment with core requirements and strategic leadership experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to assess strategic thinking, market understanding, leadership style, and cultural fit. This stage will delve into past successes and strategic vision.

• Panel Interview/Assessment: May involve interviews with other senior leaders (e.g., Commercial Director, other Business Directors, potentially global leadership) to evaluate broader competencies, stakeholder management skills, and alignment with AECOM's values. This could include a presentation or case study.

• Final Stage: Potentially a final discussion with a senior executive or a more in-depth assessment focused on specific business unit strategy and financial acumen.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Curate examples that clearly demonstrate your ability to develop and execute market growth strategies, particularly within the contractor-led D&B space. Quantify achievements with metrics related to revenue growth, framework wins, and market share expansion.

• Leadership Demonstration: Showcase examples of building and leading high-performing teams, developing talent, and fostering inclusive cultures. Highlight your approach to managing complex stakeholder relationships.

• Commercial Acumen: Present case studies that illustrate your expertise in commercial and contract management, bid governance, and securing high-value opportunities. Detail your role in Go/No-Go decisions and risk management.

• Water Sector & D&B Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight specific experience and insights relevant to the UK&I water sector and Design and Build project delivery models. Show an understanding of the current market dynamics and future investment trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for growing AECOM's contractor-led D&B business in the UK&I water sector.

• Anticipate questions about managing a matrixed organization, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and driving SH&E and EDI initiatives.

• Practice articulating complex commercial and strategic concepts clearly and concisely, using specific examples from your career to support your points.

• Research AECOM's recent projects, strategic initiatives, and financial performance to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and proven leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates impact and strategic vision will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Software: Likely Salesforce or similar for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and pipeline management. Proficiency in using CRM for strategic business development is key.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for overseeing project timelines, resources, and budgets, especially for large D&B programs.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration, essential for hybrid and matrixed environments.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Tools like Power BI, Tableau, or internal AECOM dashboards for performance monitoring, market analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Reporting Tools: Understanding and utilization of AECOM's internal financial systems for budget management, forecasting, and performance reporting.

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and act upon data presented in dashboards related to business development, project delivery, SH&E metrics, and client satisfaction (e.g., NPS).

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: A common CRM across large organizations, critical for managing the sales pipeline, client interactions, and forecasting for D&B opportunities.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how workflows can be automated to improve efficiency in bid processes, client onboarding, or project reporting, though direct management of automation tools might not be required.

• ERP Systems: Understanding of how enterprise resource planning systems integrate with project and financial data for comprehensive business oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is strategic, a strong understanding of how these tools facilitate business development, project oversight, and performance management is essential. The ability to leverage data from these systems for strategic decision-making will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: This overarching purpose drives AECOM's work, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and positive societal impact in infrastructure projects. For this role, it means focusing on D&B projects that contribute to a sustainable water future.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A core value that AECOM actively champions. This role requires fostering an inclusive team culture, respecting diverse talents, and promoting equal opportunities in recruitment and development.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and project execution. This is paramount in client relationships and bid processes.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit & Pioneering Mindset: Encouraging innovation, proactive problem-solving, and a forward-thinking approach to market challenges and opportunities. This applies to developing new strategies for contractor engagement and project delivery.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, measured through satisfaction metrics and long-term partnership building.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM operates in a matrix structure, requiring strong collaboration across business lines, geographies, and functional teams (e.g., technical, commercial, legal, SH&E). Success hinges on building consensus and driving alignment.

• Process Review & Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback on strategies, proposals, and project execution to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and market intelligence across teams and regions to leverage collective expertise and foster innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on EDI and "Delivering a Better World" indicates a company culture that values social responsibility alongside business objectives. The collaborative style requires strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work effectively within a complex organizational structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Market Competition: The UK water sector, especially D&B, is highly competitive. Standing out and securing major contracts requires a robust strategy and strong relationships.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs of AECOM's leadership, technical teams, and diverse contractor clients while ensuring project profitability and client satisfaction.

• Driving Cultural Change: Fostering a unified D&B contractor-focused approach within a company that also serves traditional clients, and embedding EDI and SH&E principles consistently across all operations.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Investment Cycles: Staying ahead of changes in water policy, regulatory frameworks, and investment patterns that impact contractor procurement and project pipelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to AECOM's leadership development programs, focusing on strategic management, financial acumen, and executive presence.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend key water sector and infrastructure industry events to stay abreast of trends, network, and represent AECOM.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior executives within AECOM or to mentor emerging talent, fostering leadership growth.

• Specialization in D&B: Deepening expertise in Design and Build delivery models, contract negotiation, and client management within this specific procurement route.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior leadership role in a dynamic industry, requiring strategic foresight and strong execution. The growth opportunities are designed to support career progression within a large, global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for expanding AECOM's Design & Build contractor market share in the UK&I water sector over the next three to five years. What are the key strategic pillars?" (Focus on market analysis, partnership development, and competitive differentiation).

• "How would you foster and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key water sector contractors, especially when AECOM also works directly with water utility clients?" (Highlight stakeholder management, trust-building, and value proposition articulation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you exemplify AECOM's values of 'Delivering a Better World' and 'Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion' in your leadership approach and team management?" (Connect your personal leadership philosophy to AECOM's core values and provide concrete examples).

• "AECOM operates in a matrixed environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment across different business units, geographies, and functional teams to achieve shared objectives?" (Discuss your strategies for influencing without direct authority, building consensus, and managing complex stakeholder dynamics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the scale of the projects, the value of the contracts secured, revenue growth achieved, and any improvements in profit margins or market share.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around the "Situation, Task, Action, Result" (STAR) method, focusing on the strategic challenges, your leadership actions, and the tangible outcomes. For D&B, emphasize your role in bid strategy, client negotiation, and project governance.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase your ability to build and lead diverse teams, manage complex stakeholder relationships (contractors, internal teams), and drive performance through effective leadership and coaching.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Clearly explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions, how you identified opportunities, and how your approach differentiated AECOM in the competitive landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss high-level strategy, commercial nuances, and leadership challenges. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the UK water sector's D&B landscape and AECOM's position within it will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal, ensuring your CV and a compelling cover letter are uploaded.

• Tailor your CV: Optimize your resume to highlight senior leadership experience, business development success, contract management expertise, and specific achievements within the water sector or related infrastructure industries, with a focus on contractor engagement.

• Craft a targeted cover letter: Clearly articulate why you are an ideal candidate for this specific role, referencing your experience in leading growth strategies, managing D&B projects, and your understanding of the UK&I water market.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather 2-3 key case studies that best demonstrate your strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and success in winning and delivering significant projects, particularly those involving Design and Build contractors. Be ready to present these with quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM thoroughly: Understand their current projects, strategic goals (especially in Water UK&I), company values, and recent performance. Prepare to discuss how your vision aligns with AECOM's mission to "Deliver a Better World."

⚠️ 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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