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 Cardiff)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Business Development (Water Sector)

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market development for AECOM's Design & Build contractor business within the UK & Ireland Water sector.

• Drive business development, client engagement, and operational excellence to secure and deliver major water infrastructure projects.

• Manage and mentor high-performing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.

• Serve as a key member of the Water UK&I leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position focused on driving revenue and market share within a specific segment (Design & Build contractors) of the Water sector. It requires a blend of strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and operational oversight, aligning closely with GTM (Go-To-Market) and Revenue Operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive market growth plan for the contractor-led Design & Build segment within the Water UK&I business, ensuring alignment with AECOM's overarching strategic objectives.

• Identify, track, and pursue high-value opportunities by collaborating with Client Account Managers and maintaining proactive engagement with the business planning systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor community through effective internal and external communication strategies and targeted partnership building.

• Cultivate and strengthen strategic relationships with key Design and Build contractors, designers, and other stakeholders to secure significant project wins and framework agreements.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, implementing improvement actions based on feedback (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and ensuring delivery excellence.

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, embodying 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, taking the lead on recruitment for strategic and senior-level positions.

• Partner with global and European teams to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary projects, leveraging AECOM's extensive capabilities in work winning and project execution.

• Provide oversight and governance for major contractor-led projects, including bid evaluation and Go/No-Go decision-making, while supporting governance for smaller pursuits.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic leadership role with significant accountability for revenue generation (work winning), client management, team leadership, and operational execution within a defined market segment. This requires strong GTM strategy implementation and cross-functional collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Mechanical) or a related business field is typically expected for such a senior role. Advanced degrees or professional certifications may be advantageous.

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated success in building, leading, and developing leadership teams and managing multidisciplinary project teams effectively.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, with a proven track record of securing major frameworks, winning new business opportunities, and growing existing contracts.

• Strong client relationship management capabilities, with a history of building and maintaining trusted partnerships.

• Proven ability to provide growth-focused leadership, including talent development, coaching, and mentoring.

• Solid understanding of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors, regulatory environments, and the socio-political and economic drivers influencing the sector.

• Experience in planning, designing, and delivering major projects, with a focus on implementing data-led performance improvements.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Market Analysis: Ability to define and execute long-term market growth strategies.

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

• Contract Management: Deep understanding of commercial terms, risk management, and contract negotiation.

• Leadership & Team Management: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

• Client Relationship Management: Skill in building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with key clients and partners.

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK&I water market, its challenges, and opportunities.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of commercial drivers, P&L responsibility, and financial performance metrics.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

• Health & Safety Leadership: Commitment to and experience in driving robust SH&E performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design & Build delivery models specifically.

• Familiarity with advanced digital tools for project management and collaboration.

• Knowledge of European water market dynamics beyond the UK & Ireland.

• Experience with Net Promoter Score (N P S) implementation and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is clearly indicated as senior leadership, requiring extensive practical application of business development, strategic planning, and team leadership within the water sector. The emphasis on contractor-led markets suggests a need for strong commercial and contractual negotiation skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic market growth plans, with examples of quantifiable business development outcomes and revenue growth.

• Evidence of leading successful work-winning campaigns for major Design & Build water projects, including proposals, bid strategies, and negotiation outcomes.

• Case studies showcasing effective commercial and contract management, highlighting successful negotiation strategies and risk mitigation for large-scale projects.

• Examples of building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating approaches to talent development, performance management, and team collaboration.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Ability to articulate processes for identifying and pursuing Design & Build opportunities within the water sector, including market segmentation and strategic positioning.

• Implementation and Automation: Examples of how processes have been implemented to drive efficiency in bid management, project delivery, or client engagement, with a focus on data-led performance improvements.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Experience in establishing Key Performance Indicators (K P Is) and metrics (e.g., work-winning rates, project profitability, client satisfaction scores) to track and improve operational and commercial performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested in the traditional design sense, the role demands a strong track record that can be articulated through case studies and examples during the interview process. This includes demonstrating strategic implementation, commercial success, and leadership effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior leadership nature of this role (Head of Director level), the significant responsibility for market growth and project delivery within a major infrastructure sector, and the location in London, the estimated salary range would be broadly between £110,000 - £160,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level executive positions in engineering and construction consultancies in the UK, considering factors such as company size, sector demand, and regional cost of living.

Benefits:

• Core Benefits: Comprehensive health and well-being programs, retirement savings plans, life insurance.

• Career Development: Access to AECOM University for continuous learning, participation in technical practice networks, and opportunities for professional development and certifications.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Additional Perks: Volunteering days to support community initiatives, potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Global Network: Opportunity to collaborate with a global team of over 50,000 professionals.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid working model to manage work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical executive compensation in the UK infrastructure consulting sector for a Director-level role with significant P&L and market development responsibilities. Benefits are drawn directly from the job description and common offerings for senior roles at large multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting Services, Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Services. AECOM operates globally, partnering with clients to solve complex challenges in transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide, and a significant presence in the UK & Ireland Water sector (circa 600 people in the water business). This size implies a structured environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and access to extensive resources.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1910. This extensive legacy suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and established client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I and collaborates closely with other Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, and AECOM Europe & India leadership.

• The Head of Design & Build Director will lead a team focused on the contractor-led market, likely comprising business development professionals, project managers, and technical leads.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data (e.g., Net Promoter Score, performance metrics) to inform strategies and drive improvements.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Focus on developing and implementing clear market strategies with defined objectives and measurable outcomes.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong emphasis on building partnerships with contractors and fostering collaboration across internal teams and global entities.

• Commitment to SH&E and EDI: These are core values integrated into daily operations and leadership practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights a global, established firm with a strong focus on delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. The "better world" mission and emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability are key cultural drivers. The size and global reach offer significant opportunities for career growth and diverse project exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior executive or director-level position, focusing on strategic market leadership and revenue generation within a specialized segment of the water industry. It requires a blend of business development, commercial management, and people leadership.

Reporting Structure: The position reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it at a high level within the organizational hierarchy and providing direct influence on strategic decisions for the water business. This reporting line offers visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to contribute to broader business unit strategies.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build Director will have a direct and significant impact on AECOM's revenue growth and market position within the UK&I water sector, specifically by driving business with Design & Build contractors. Success in this role will contribute to AECOM's overall mission of delivering infrastructure projects that create a positive and tangible impact.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape AECOM's go-to-market strategy for the Design & Build segment and influence broader business direction.

• Skill Development: Continued development in strategic planning, advanced commercial negotiation, large-scale program management, and leadership of complex organizations.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunity to become a recognized leader within the UK water industry, representing AECOM at key events and forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career step, offering substantial autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successfully expanding the Design & Build contractor segment and demonstrating leadership capabilities that align with AECOM's global strategic objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. AECOM offers a flexible hybrid working model, suggesting a blend of remote work and office-based collaboration. The primary location is London, with a mention of Cardiff as an alternative.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: London, UK (specifically Aldgate Tower mentioned)

• Potential Alternative: Cardiff, Wales, UK

This hybrid model allows for flexibility, balancing the need for in-person collaboration, client meetings, and team engagement with the benefits of remote work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to facilitate collaboration, team meetings, and strategic discussions, whether conducted in person or virtually.

• Technology Access: As a global consultancy, AECOM likely provides access to advanced digital tools, communication platforms, and project management software to support remote and office-based work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of professionals, including engineers, designers, project managers, and business development specialists, both within the Water business and across AECOM's wider global network.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in managing work hours and location, accommodating personal needs while ensuring business objectives are met and client commitments are fulfilled.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, indicating a modern approach to work that balances flexibility with the need for collaborative engagement essential for a leadership role driving business growth.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly senior leadership experience, water sector knowledge, and business development track record.

• HR/Recruitment Interview: Discussion focused on career history, motivations, understanding of the role, and alignment with AECOM's values (EDI, SH&E).

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: In-depth discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I and potentially other senior leaders. This stage will delve into strategic thinking, leadership approach, commercial capabilities, and specific examples of past achievements in market growth and team leadership. Be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for the Design & Build contractor market.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to prepare and present a strategic plan or a case study demonstrating how you would approach growing AECOM's Design & Build contractor business, showcasing your understanding of the market, competitive landscape, and potential strategies.

• Final Interview/Panel: A final discussion to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and overall suitability for the role and AECOM's senior team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any examples you present (e.g., from CV or during interviews), focus on quantifiable results: revenue growth achieved, contract values secured, team size managed, efficiency improvements implemented, client satisfaction scores increased.

• Strategic Vision: Clearly articulate your strategic approach to market development, client engagement, and team leadership. Use frameworks or methodologies where appropriate to structure your thinking.

• Contractor Market Focus: Prepare specific examples and insights related to the UK&I water sector and its major Design & Build contractors. Demonstrate your understanding of their business models, challenges, and procurement strategies.

• Leadership Philosophy: Be ready to discuss your leadership style, how you foster collaboration, drive performance, and champion EDI and SH&E within your teams.

• Problem-Solving: Have examples of how you've tackled complex business challenges, managed difficult negotiations, or resolved significant project issues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Strategy: Prepare to discuss your vision for growing AECOM's Design & Build contractor business, including target segments, competitive positioning, and key initiatives.

• Stakeholder Management: Be ready to describe how you would build and maintain strong relationships with key contractor clients and internal AECOM stakeholders.

• Team Leadership: Prepare to discuss your approach to leading diverse teams, developing talent, and fostering a high-performance culture in a hybrid environment.

• Commercial Acumen: Be ready to discuss your experience with major contract negotiations, risk management, and driving profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, reflecting the seniority of the role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and proven leadership capabilities with specific, data-backed examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Proficiency in using CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and forecasting sales pipelines.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with enterprise-level project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera, Asana, Monday.com) for overseeing project lifecycles and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Extensive use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration in a hybrid environment.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint for reporting, financial analysis, presentations, and strategic document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for data analysis, performance monitoring, and creating insightful dashboards to track KPIs related to business development, project delivery, and financial performance.

• Financial Reporting Systems: Understanding of financial reporting tools and processes to monitor project profitability, budget adherence, and overall business unit financial health.

CRM & Automation:

• Sales Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that support sales processes, lead nurturing, and opportunity management to streamline work-winning efforts.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: General understanding of how ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) integrate with project management and financial reporting for large organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies the need for proficiency in standard enterprise-level business development, project management, collaboration, and analytics tools commonly used in large multinational consultancies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: A core purpose that drives AECOM's mission, emphasizing sustainable and impactful infrastructure solutions. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to this mission through efficient delivery and innovative problem-solving.

• Integrity & Entrepreneurial Spirit: Upholding ethical standards while encouraging proactive initiative, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to business challenges and opportunities.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A commitment to fostering a respectful workplace that embraces diverse talents and backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities and celebrating unique contributions. Leaders are expected to champion this actively.

• Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E): A paramount value, ensuring that all operations are conducted with the highest regard for the safety and well-being of employees, clients, and the environment.

• Collaboration & Client Focus: Working effectively across teams and with clients to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional service and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM fosters a collaborative environment where teams from different disciplines and geographies work together to deliver complex projects. This role requires seamless integration with client account management, technical teams, and global AECOM divisions.

• Open Communication: An emphasis on clear and open communication channels, encouraging feedback exchange and proactive problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches across the organization to drive continuous improvement and foster professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values are strongly aligned with modern corporate responsibility and employee engagement. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values in their daily work, decision-making, and interactions, particularly leadership in championing EDI and SH&E.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector is highly competitive, requiring continuous innovation and strong differentiation to secure Design & Build contracts.

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across diverse business units, geographies, and leadership levels within a large multinational corporation.

• Driving Growth in a Dynamic Market: Adapting strategies to evolving regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, and client demands in the water infrastructure sector.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top talent in a specialized field, particularly for senior and niche roles within the Design & Build segment.

• Balancing Hybrid Work: Ensuring effective team cohesion, collaboration, and performance management across a hybrid workforce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine strategic planning, business development, and executive leadership skills through advanced training and mentorship.

• Industry Expertise Expansion: Deepening knowledge of water infrastructure trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes through industry events, AECOM's technical networks, and project exposure.

• Global Collaboration Exposure: Gaining experience by working on international projects or collaborating with global teams, broadening perspective and skill sets.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leadership mentorship within AECOM to guide career progression and leadership development.

• Formal Training: Utilization of AECOM University and other professional development resources for targeted skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior leadership roles in large, competitive industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging AECOM's global scale and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategy for increasing AECOM's market share within the Design & Build contractor segment of the UK&I water sector over the next 3-5 years." (Preparation: Focus on market analysis, competitive positioning, key client targets, service offerings, and operational execution.)

• "How would you build and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with key Design & Build contractors, considering their unique business drivers and procurement processes?" (Preparation: Discuss relationship management strategies, value proposition articulation, and collaborative approaches.)

• "Walk me through a significant business development win you led. What was the challenge, your strategy, the key stakeholders involved, and the quantifiable outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer with specific metrics.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's mission to 'deliver a better world,' and how does this role contribute to that mission?" (Preparation: Research AECOM's sustainability initiatives, major projects, and corporate values.)

• "How would you champion AECOM's values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) in your day-to-day leadership?" (Preparation: Provide specific examples of how you have promoted these values in previous roles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: If presenting a case study, follow a clear narrative arc: the business challenge, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the measurable results achieved.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the business impact of your work – revenue growth, market share increase, profitability improvement, client satisfaction enhancement, successful project delivery.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data wherever possible to support your claims.

• Tailor to AECOM: Demonstrate an understanding of AECOM's specific context, services, and strategic priorities, showing how your experience is relevant.

• Engage Your Audience: Present with confidence, be prepared to answer questions thoroughly, and convey your strategic vision and leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial leadership, and a proven ability to drive growth and manage complex operations within the infrastructure and water sectors.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design & Build Director position:

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

• Curate Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your senior leadership experience, specific achievements in business development, contract management, and water sector project delivery, with a strong emphasis on quantifiable results and leadership responsibilities.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Develop compelling examples that showcase your strategic planning, work-winning capabilities, client relationship management, and team leadership skills, particularly within the Design & Build contractor space.

• Research AECOM: Thoroughly understand AECOM's mission, values, recent projects in the water sector, and their strategic focus on sustainability and delivering a better world.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to strategy, leadership, and commercial acumen, and prepare a concise overview of your qualifications and vision for the role.

⚠️ 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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