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: Infrastructure Operations & Consulting Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-13T08:39:08.399

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market expansion for AECOM's contractor-led Design & Build initiatives within the UK & Ireland Water sector.

• Drive business development efforts, focusing on securing high-value opportunities and major frameworks with key contractors.

• Oversee and develop multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring exceptional project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Collaborate with senior leadership across AECOM globally to integrate capabilities and enhance work-winning strategies.

• Champion a culture of safety, health, environment, and inclusion, aligning with AECOM's core values and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within AECOM's Water business, directly impacting revenue generation and market share in a critical infrastructure sector. The focus on "Design & Build" and "contractor-led" implies a need for strong commercial acumen, partnership development, and a deep understanding of project procurement and execution models within the water industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Identify, monitor, and track new business opportunities by collaborating with Client Account Managers and ensuring proactive engagement in business planning systems.

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

• Cultivate and maintain robust partnerships with key contractors and designers to strategically pursue high-value Design & Build opportunities.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively engaging with contractors, monitoring performance through metrics like Net Promoter Score, and implementing targeted improvement actions.

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture by exemplifying AECOM's values, championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and promoting employee engagement and continuous professional development.

• Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements and lead recruitment efforts for critical strategic and senior roles.

• Work cross-functionally with teams across Europe and globally to deliver integrated multidisciplinary projects and showcase AECOM's work-winning strengths.

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

• Lead by example in promoting a strong Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring adherence to AECOM's SH&E policies and procedures and achieving key SH&E metrics for the Water business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, business development, operational oversight, and people management. The emphasis on contractor relationships, bid governance, and SH&E indicates a role deeply embedded in the execution and commercial aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects within the water sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional qualifications are advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier, with a proven track record in growing businesses and delivering major projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven senior leadership experience within a complex, matrixed, multinational consultancy or contracting organization.

• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing leadership teams and diverse, multidisciplinary project teams.

• In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors, regulatory landscapes, and socio-political/economic drivers.

• Strong business development acumen with a track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and growing existing contracts.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, including bid governance and financial oversight.

• Excellent client relationship management capabilities, with a focus on driving satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.

• Strategic planning and market strategy implementation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to provide growth-focused leadership, including talent development, coaching, and performance management.

• Strong understanding and commitment to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) best practices and compliance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital innovation and its application in infrastructure project delivery.

• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and their integration into project design and execution.

• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.

• Experience with performance monitoring tools and methodologies (e.g., Net Promoter Score).

• Knowledge of European water sector trends and cross-border collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep industry expertise, commercial leadership, and people management. The "10+ years" experience level suggests a need for seasoned professionals who can navigate complex organizational structures and market dynamics. The mention of "matrixed multinational consultancy" points to the importance of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successful business growth strategies implemented within the water sector or similar infrastructure markets.

• Case studies showcasing leadership in winning and delivering major Design & Build projects or frameworks, highlighting personal contribution and team outcomes.

• Evidence of strategic planning processes and market analysis that led to tangible business development successes.

• Documentation or examples of commercial frameworks and contract management strategies that ensured project profitability and client satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of market strategy development and implementation plans for contractor-led sectors.

• Frameworks or methodologies used for identifying, evaluating, and pursuing new business opportunities.

• Processes for managing bid governance, including Go/No-Go decision-making and risk assessment.

• Client engagement and performance monitoring processes, with examples of how feedback (e.g., NPS) was used for continuous improvement.

• SH&E process frameworks and examples of their successful implementation to achieve core metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like this, the portfolio should focus on strategic impact, leadership, and commercial outcomes rather than granular process details. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, market development capabilities, and successful project oversight within the contractor-led Design & Build space.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A competitive executive-level salary package is anticipated, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of this role. Based on industry benchmarks for similar Director-level positions in London's infrastructure consulting sector, a range of £120,000 - £180,000 per annum is estimated, subject to experience and qualifications. This may be supplemented by a performance-based bonus and long-term incentives.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous pension scheme contributions.

• Performance-based annual bonus and potential for long-term incentives.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Career development opportunities, including access to training, workshops, and professional development funds.

• AECOM University for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Technical practice networks to foster knowledge sharing and innovation.

• Volunteering days to support community initiatives.

• Flexible hybrid working model to promote work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior director roles in London's engineering and construction consulting sector, considering the specific industry (Water) and the strategic nature of the position. Benefits are detailed based on standard offerings for large multinational corporations in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, complex, and globally integrated organization. This size offers significant resources, diverse project opportunities, and a structured career path.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century, evolving through mergers and acquisitions into the global entity it is today. This longevity suggests stability and deep-seated expertise in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Water UK&I business unit is a significant part of AECOM's operations, comprising approximately 600 professionals.

• This role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it within the senior leadership team.

• Collaboration is expected with other Business Directors, the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams, highlighting a matrixed organizational structure.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-led approach to performance improvement and decision-making.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, particularly in managing complex infrastructure projects from advisory to construction management.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated, especially through digital innovation, to enhance project delivery and client value.

• A strong focus on SH&E and EDI is embedded in all methodologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes AECOM's scale, global reach, and commitment to addressing complex infrastructure challenges. The Water UK&I business unit is presented as a key growth area, with this role being central to its strategic direction in the contractor-led Design & Build market. The matrixed structure is a critical element for candidates to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Director level, representing senior leadership within the Water UK&I business line. It requires strategic vision, significant market responsibility, and the ability to influence business unit performance and direction. The scope involves leading a specific market segment (contractor-led Design & Build) and contributing to the overall growth and success of the Water business.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design & Build Director reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This positions the role within the executive leadership team of the Water business, with clear lines of accountability and influence. It also necessitates strong collaboration with other Directors and global/regional leadership teams.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on revenue generation, market share expansion within the contractor-led Design & Build segment of the UK&I water market, and enhancing AECOM's reputation and delivery capability in this space. Success will be measured by growth in contract wins, project profitability, client satisfaction, and the development of a robust talent pipeline.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to broader leadership roles within AECOM's Water business or other business lines, potentially at a regional or global level.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape AECOM's Design & Build strategy in a high-investment sector and influence global best practices.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in strategic market development, complex contract negotiation, and leading large, dispersed teams within a multinational environment.

• Industry Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water infrastructure in the UK&I through innovative Design & Build solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis highlights that this is a significant leadership role offering substantial career progression and the chance to make a tangible impact on a critical sector. The ability to influence strategy and develop talent are key aspects of career growth within AECOM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM promotes a hybrid working model, balancing the benefits of remote work with the necessity of in-person collaboration. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and team synergy, alongside the flexibility to work remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary location is specified as UK - London - Aldgate Tower, with a secondary mention of Croydon, United Kingdom. This indicates a presence in key business hubs within the London area, offering accessibility and proximity to clients and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a dynamic work environment where employees can leverage office spaces for focused collaboration, team strategy sessions, and client presentations, while also benefiting from the autonomy of remote work for individual tasks.

• Access to AECOM's robust digital infrastructure and technology will be available to support seamless work across locations.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership, peers, and project teams will be integral to the office-based working days, facilitating knowledge transfer and relationship building.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal commitments, which is particularly beneficial for roles requiring deep analytical work or strategic planning that may not adhere to strict 9-to-5 schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at AECOM is a key feature, suggesting a modern approach to work that prioritizes flexibility and employee well-being while maintaining operational effectiveness and collaborative culture. The London locations place the role in a prime business district.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter, focusing on senior leadership experience, water sector expertise, and commercial track record.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Managing Director of Water UK&I) and potentially a senior colleague, assessing strategic thinking, leadership style, market knowledge, and cultural fit. Preparation should include articulating your vision for the Design & Build contractor market.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This may involve a presentation to a panel of senior leaders, including regional and global stakeholders. The presentation would likely focus on a strategic growth plan for the contractor-led market, demonstrating commercial acumen and leadership capabilities. Case studies from your portfolio will be crucial here.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level executives to confirm strategic alignment and suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on high-level achievements, market growth, revenue generation, and successful leadership of major initiatives. Quantify impact with data (e.g., % growth, contract value secured, client satisfaction improvement).

• Leadership Narrative: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, developing talent, and fostering positive team cultures, especially within a matrixed environment.

• Commercial Acumen: Showcase examples of successful bid governance, contract negotiation, and commercial strategy implementation that led to profitable outcomes.

• Sector Relevance: Tailor examples to the UK Water sector and Design & Build contractor landscape, demonstrating an understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities.

• Conciseness: Present a curated selection of your most impactful work, rather than an exhaustive list.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to growing AECOM's contractor-led Design & Build business in the UK&I Water sector. This might involve developing a brief strategic plan or SWOT analysis for this market.

• Anticipate questions on how you would foster collaboration between AECOM's design teams and contractors, and how you would manage complex stakeholder relationships.

• Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, particularly concerning managing diverse teams, promoting EDI, and driving SH&E performance.

• Understand AECOM's values and how you would embody them in this senior leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director-level role will be rigorous, focusing on strategic capabilities, commercial success, and leadership impact. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate a compelling vision for growth will be paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics (for opportunity tracking, pipeline management, and client relationship management).

• Project Management Software: Primavera P6, MS Project, Aconex, or similar platforms for managing large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, for internal and external communication and virtual meetings.

• ERP Systems: SAP or similar for financial management, resource planning, and procurement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Power BI, for creating dashboards and visualising performance metrics (pipeline, revenue, profitability, NPS).

• Financial Reporting Tools: Internal AECOM systems for P&L management, forecasting, and bid profitability analysis.

• Data Analysis Software: Advanced Excel, potentially R or Python for complex data analysis if required for strategic insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales & Opportunity Management Tools: Advanced features within CRM for opportunity tracking, forecasting, and sales process automation.

• Workflow Automation: Potentially leveraging internal AECOM platforms or industry-specific solutions for automating bid processes or project management workflows.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different systems (CRM, ERP, Project Management) integrate to provide a unified view of business performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not detailed in the job description, a Director-level role in a global consultancy like AECOM would necessitate proficiency with enterprise-level CRM, project management, and business intelligence tools. The emphasis is on leveraging these tools for strategic decision-making and performance management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: This core value drives AECOM's mission to create positive and tangible impacts through infrastructure projects, emphasizing sustainability and long-term legacies.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A strong commitment to fostering a workplace that embraces and celebrates the unique talents and backgrounds of every individual, promoting respect and equal opportunity.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit & Pioneering Mindset: Encouraging innovation, bold ideas, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and business growth.

• Collaboration: Working as "one global team," valuing diverse perspectives and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams across different business lines, geographies, and functions (design, engineering, commercial, project management) to deliver integrated solutions.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, collaborative relationships with external partners, primarily contractors, to jointly pursue and deliver projects.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Utilizing data and performance metrics to inform discussions and drive continuous improvement within teams and across projects.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication, feedback exchange, and a culture where employees feel empowered to share ideas and concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is shaped by its global scale and its mission to deliver impactful infrastructure. The emphasis on values like EDI, integrity, and collaboration is critical for candidates to understand and align with, especially in a leadership capacity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Dynamics: Navigating the competitive UK Water Design & Build market, which is subject to significant investment cycles, regulatory changes, and evolving client demands.

• Matrixed Organization: Effectively leading and influencing across a complex, multinational matrix structure to align resources, strategies, and operational execution.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top-tier talent in specialized areas within a competitive industry, and developing the next generation of leaders.

• Driving Innovation: Championing the adoption of new technologies and innovative design/build methodologies within a traditional sector.

• Balancing Growth with Risk: Aggressively pursuing new business opportunities while maintaining robust bid governance and managing project risks effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Access to executive coaching, leadership training programs, and opportunities to lead large-scale strategic initiatives.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in key industry forums, conferences, and associations to stay abreast of trends and network with peers and clients.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of AECOM's global operations and capabilities across different sectors and geographies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor emerging talent within AECOM and benefit from mentorship from senior executives within the organization.

• Formal Education/Certifications: Support for obtaining advanced degrees or professional certifications relevant to leadership and the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the strategic demands of the role and the career potential within a global organization like AECOM. The emphasis is on continuous learning, strategic influence, and navigating complex business environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for AECOM's contractor-led Design & Build business in the UK Water sector over the next 5 years. What are the key strategic pillars for growth?" (Preparation: Develop a concise strategic framework, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and key initiatives.)

• "How would you foster collaboration and alignment between AECOM's design and engineering teams and our contractor partners to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction?" (Preparation: Outline specific engagement models, communication protocols, and performance management strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody AECOM's values, particularly 'Delivering a Better World' and 'Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,' in your leadership approach?" (Preparation: Provide specific examples of how you've integrated these values into your management practices and decision-making.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, matrixed organization. How do you navigate complex stakeholder relationships and drive consensus?" (Preparation: Share examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, highlighting your influencing skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your career trajectory and key achievements relevant to this role.

• Strategic Impact Focus: For each case study, clearly articulate the strategic objective, your leadership role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable business outcomes (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, profitability improvement, client retention).

• Commercial Prowess: Highlight your involvement in bid strategy, contract negotiation, financial oversight, and risk management.

• Leadership Storytelling: Use your portfolio to tell a story about your leadership journey, demonstrating your ability to build and motivate teams, foster a positive culture, and drive results in challenging environments.

• Concise & Visual: Use clear, concise language and visual aids (e.g., simple charts, key metrics) to make your presentation engaging and impactful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of the UK Water market and contractor-led Design & Build models. The ability to articulate a growth vision and showcase past successes with quantifiable results will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight senior leadership experience, specific achievements in business development, commercial management, and Design & Build project delivery within the UK Water sector. Use keywords from the job description such as "contractor-led," "market strategy," "bid governance," and "multidisciplinary teams."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most impactful work, focusing on strategic growth, commercial success, and leadership. Ensure case studies clearly articulate quantifiable results and your specific role in achieving them.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your responses to potential interview questions, particularly those focusing on strategy, leadership, and commercial acumen. Practice presenting your portfolio highlights concisely and impactfully.

• Research AECOM: Thoroughly research AECOM's Water business, its recent projects, strategic goals, and company culture. Understand their approach to sustainability, EDI, and innovation.

⚠️ 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.