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: Operations - Infrastructure & Water Sector Leadership

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic business development and market growth initiatives within the UK & Ireland water sector, focusing on Design and Build (D&B) contractor partnerships.

• Drive the implementation of a comprehensive D&B market strategy, aligning with AECOM's Water UK&I strategic objectives and global contractor market initiatives.

• Cultivate and manage key relationships with D&B contractors, designers, and other stakeholders to secure high-value opportunities and ensure client satisfaction.

• Oversee major D&B project bids, including bid governance and Go/No-Go processes, ensuring successful work-winning and project delivery.

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership role within AECOM's Water business, with a specific focus on the contractor-led Design & Build market. The emphasis on "driving growth" and "market strategy" indicates a strong revenue operations and business development component, requiring a blend of commercial acumen, strategic planning, and deep sector expertise in the UK water industry. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for effective remote collaboration alongside in-office engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a contractor-led market growth plan for the Water UK&I sector, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Water.

• Collaborate closely with Client Account Managers to identify, track, and integrate new D&B opportunities into business planning systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility within the contractor market through strategic internal and external communication and engagement.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key D&B contractors and designers to proactively pursue and win significant projects.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, implementing improvement actions, and leveraging Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback.

• Foster a culture of continuous development and employee engagement, exemplifying AECOM's values and championing EDI initiatives.

• Work with Business Unit Directors to forecast and address medium to long-term resource requirements, leading recruitment for strategic and senior positions.

• Collaborate with global AECOM teams to deliver multidisciplinary projects and showcase AECOM's work-winning capabilities.

• Assume accountability for major contractor-led projects and programs through robust bid governance and the Go/No-Go process.

• Lead by example in promoting a strong Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring compliance with AECOM policies and achieving core SH&E metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, business development, client relationship management, and operational oversight for D&B projects. The emphasis on "bid governance," "work winning," and "performance monitoring" points to a strong need for analytical skills, process adherence, and a results-oriented approach, typical of senior operations and business leadership roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

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

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic growth plans, particularly within the D&B contractor space.

• Demonstrated track record of securing major frameworks, winning new business opportunities, and growing existing contracts.

• Significant commercial and contract management expertise, including understanding of D&B contracting models.

• Strong client relationship management capabilities with a focus on fostering long-term partnerships.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Market Analysis: Ability to develop and implement effective market growth strategies for the D&B contractor segment.

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven success in identifying, pursuing, and securing major D&B opportunities and frameworks.

• Contract & Commercial Management: In-depth understanding of commercial terms, contract negotiation, and risk management within D&B projects.

• Leadership & Team Management: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain robust relationships with key stakeholders, including D&B contractors and clients.

• UK & Ireland Water Market Expertise: Deep knowledge of the sector, including key players, regulatory landscape, and socio-political/economic drivers.

• Bid Governance & Process Management: Experience in managing the bid process, including Go/No-Go decisions and ensuring compliance with company policies.

• Performance Monitoring & Improvement: Ability to track performance metrics (e.g., NPS) and implement data-led improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial forecasting, budgeting, and profitability drivers for D&B projects.

• Health & Safety Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to and experience in driving SH&E initiatives and culture.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Advocacy: Experience in fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting diversity within teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across different business units and global teams.

• Digital Innovation: Familiarity with digital tools and technologies relevant to D&B project delivery and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize deep sector knowledge, commercial leadership, and experience in managing complex, client-facing projects. The "10+ years" experience level inferred from "senior leadership" and "Head of" title suggests a need for candidates with a substantial track record in strategic roles within the infrastructure and water consulting/contracting space. The explicit mention of "matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier" points towards candidates with experience in large, complex organizational structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of D&B Project Wins: Detailed examples of major Design & Build projects successfully won and/or delivered under your leadership, highlighting your strategic approach, client engagement, and commercial success.

• Market Strategy Development: Documentation or examples of strategic plans developed for specific market segments, demonstrating your analytical capabilities and foresight, particularly within the water sector or D&B contracting.

• Team Leadership & Growth Initiatives: Evidence of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, with examples of talent development and succession planning.

• Commercial/Contractual Success Examples: Demonstrations of successful contract negotiations, framework wins, or significant revenue growth achieved through strategic initiatives.

• Process Improvement Frameworks: Examples of how you have identified and implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency, client satisfaction, or project delivery in previous roles.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning & Implementation: Showcase your ability to translate high-level strategic objectives into actionable plans and drive their execution within a complex organizational structure.

• Work Winning & Bid Management: Document your approach to opportunity identification, pursuit strategy, bid preparation, and governance processes for securing major D&B contracts.

• Client Relationship Management & Performance Tracking: Illustrate your methodology for building and maintaining strong client relationships, including how you monitor client satisfaction (e.g., NPS) and implement feedback-driven improvements.

• Resource Planning & Management: Provide examples of how you forecast resource needs, manage talent acquisition, and optimize team deployment for large-scale projects.

• SH&E & EDI Integration: Demonstrate how you embed SH&E and EDI principles into operational processes and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the nature of a "Head of Design & Build Director" role implies that candidates will need to articulate their experience and strategic approach through detailed case studies and examples during the interview process. The focus on "growth," "strategy," "winning opportunities," and "project delivery" means the portfolio should emphasize quantifiable achievements and strategic decision-making processes relevant to D&B contracting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: A balance between remote and in-office work to support work-life integration.

• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to engage with subject matter experts across various disciplines globally.

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

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

• Comprehensive Health & Well-being Programs: Support for employee health, mental well-being, and overall lifestyle.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive employer-matched pension contributions.

• Life Assurance: Provided as part of the employment package.

• Private Medical Insurance: Coverage for employees and potentially their families.

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. Given the leadership nature of the role and potential international collaboration, flexibility may be required, but a hybrid model is offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry standards for senior director roles in London within the professional services sector, specifically infrastructure consulting. AECOM, as a large, publicly traded company (Fortune 500), offers a robust benefits package, which has been extrapolated from typical offerings for such organizations and specific mentions in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM is a global leader in providing planning, design, engineering, and construction management services for a wide range of infrastructure projects, including transportation, buildings, water, energy, and environment.

Company Size: Global, over 50,000 employees. This indicates a large, complex, and well-established organization with extensive resources and a global reach.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1910. This signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a strong foundation in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, placing it within the senior leadership of the Water business unit.

• Close collaboration is expected with other Business Directors (e.g., Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director), AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams.

• This indicates a matrixed organizational structure, requiring strong collaboration and influence across different business lines and geographies.

Methodology:

• Data-Led Performance Improvement: AECOM emphasizes using data and metrics (like NPS) to drive performance and client satisfaction.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company champions a collaborative approach across its multidisciplinary teams and global network to deliver complex projects.

• Strategic Growth Focus: A core methodology involves identifying market trends, developing strategic plans, and driving business growth, particularly in key sectors like Water and Design & Build contracting.

• Commitment to SH&E and EDI: These are integral to AECOM's operational methodology and company culture, expecting leaders to champion these values.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's established presence and global scale suggest a professional, process-driven environment with opportunities for large-scale impact. The matrixed structure means success will heavily rely on strong interpersonal skills, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" suggests a mission-driven culture focused on sustainability and societal impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within the operations and business development function for the Water UK&I sector. It carries significant accountability for market strategy, revenue generation, client relationships, and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high level of visibility and influence within the organization. This position is a key member of the Water UK&I leadership team.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on AECOM's revenue growth, market share, and reputation within the UK water sector, specifically through the Design & Build contractor channel. Success in this role contributes directly to achieving AECOM's broader business objectives and its mission to "deliver a better world."

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand leadership scope within the Water business or move into broader regional or global leadership roles within AECOM.

• Industry Influence: Opportunity to shape AECOM's D&B strategy and contribute to industry best practices through thought leadership and client engagement.

• Mentorship & Succession Planning: Develop and mentor future leaders within the Water business, contributing to AECOM's talent pipeline.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Engage with and lead teams on diverse infrastructure projects, broadening technical and managerial experience.

• Executive Development Programs: Access to AECOM's internal leadership development programs and potential for external executive education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Head of" title and direct reporting line to an MD signify a strategic, high-impact role. Growth opportunities would typically involve expanding the scope of responsibility, moving into P&L ownership for larger segments, or transitioning to executive leadership roles within AECOM's global operations. The emphasis on "talent development" and "nurturing the next generation of leaders" suggests a strong internal focus on career progression for those who excel.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model. This typically involves a mix of working from an AECOM office and remotely. The primary location is London, with specific mention of "Aldgate Tower," suggesting a modern, well-equipped office environment.

Office Location(s): Primary location is London (Aldgate Tower). Bristol, United Kingdom is also listed as an alternative location, indicating potential flexibility or regional hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to facilitate collaboration through planned office days, while also providing flexibility. Teams are expected to connect and work together, leveraging office time for strategic meetings, team building, and focused collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: As a global leader, AECOM likely provides access to advanced digital tools, project management software, communication platforms, and data analytics resources necessary for effective remote and in-office work.

• Professionalism & Innovation: The environment is expected to be professional, with a focus on innovation, problem-solving, and delivering high-quality work. Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams and senior leadership are inherent.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This allows for a degree of flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing office presence with remote work, which is crucial for effective operations and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is standard for many professional services firms, aiming to balance collaboration and flexibility. For a leadership role, structured office days will likely be critical for team engagement, client meetings, and strategic planning sessions, while remote days can be used for focused work, analysis, and virtual meetings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on senior leadership experience, D&B market expertise, and track record in the water sector.

• First Interview: Likely with the Managing Director of Water UK&I or a senior HR representative, assessing overall fit, strategic thinking, leadership style, and alignment with AECOM's values.

• Second Interview/Panel: This may involve other senior leaders from the Water business, Commercial, or Europe & India leadership teams. Expect in-depth discussions on your strategic approach to D&B growth, commercial acumen, and experience in managing complex projects and teams. This is where your ability to articulate your experience and strategic vision through examples will be crucial.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential component could involve a strategic challenge or scenario related to the D&B market, requiring you to present your proposed approach, demonstrating your analytical skills, strategic planning capabilities, and communication effectiveness.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level executives or a final assessment of cultural fit and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, focus on quantifiable results. Instead of "managed projects," state "Managed a portfolio of D&B projects valued at £X million, achieving Y% profit margin and Z% growth in revenue."

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the strategic thinking behind your actions. How did your market analysis lead to specific pursuit strategies? How did your leadership drive team performance and win crucial bids?

• Showcase D&B Expertise: Feature projects that specifically demonstrate your understanding of Design & Build contracting models, contractor partnerships, and the unique challenges/opportunities within this space.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio around key themes such as Market Growth, Client Acquisition, Project Delivery Excellence, and Team Leadership. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Prepare to Discuss Processes: Be ready to deep-dive into the processes you've implemented for strategic planning, bid management, client engagement, and team development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis & Strategy: Prepare to discuss current trends in the UK water sector, the role of D&B contractors, and how AECOM can best position itself for growth in this market.

• Partnership Development: Be ready to outline your approach to building and nurturing strategic partnerships with key D&B contractors.

• Risk Management & Governance: Discuss how you would manage the risks associated with major D&B projects and ensure robust bid governance.

• Leadership & Culture: Prepare to talk about your leadership philosophy, how you foster EDI, and how you drive a high-performance culture in a hybrid environment.

• Commercial Acumen: Be ready to discuss contract models, bid evaluation, and strategies for maximizing commercial success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role like this will be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, commercial impact, and leadership capability. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their experience through detailed examples and articulate a clear vision for driving growth in the D&B contractor market. A well-prepared presentation or discussion of past successes will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Essential for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and pipeline management. Proficiency in using CRM for strategic business development is key.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com): For overseeing the execution of D&B projects, tracking progress, managing resources, and ensuring timely delivery.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom): Crucial for effective communication and collaboration in a hybrid work environment, especially for leading distributed teams.

• Financial Management Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials): For understanding project financials, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): To analyze market data, project performance metrics, financial reports, and client feedback (like NPS) to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and custom reporting.

• Pipeline Management Tools: Integrated within CRM or standalone, for tracking opportunities from qualification through to win.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Platforms: As mentioned above, integral for managing the entire client lifecycle and sales funnel.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially used for streamlining bid processes, client onboarding, or internal reporting, though less critical for a strategic leadership role than for operational execution roles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a leadership role, a strong understanding of the tools that underpin effective operations and business development is essential. The Head of D&B Director will need to leverage these tools for strategic decision-making, performance monitoring, and driving efficiency across their team and projects. Proficiency in CRM and BI tools for strategic insight is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: AECOM's overarching mission, emphasizing sustainability, societal impact, and positive transformation through infrastructure.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A core value that requires active promotion and fostering of a respectful, inclusive workplace where diverse talents are celebrated.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and project execution.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging innovation, proactive problem-solving, and taking initiative to drive growth and improve processes.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches to tackle complex challenges and deliver transformative outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM operates in a matrixed environment, necessitating strong collaboration across business lines, geographies, and functional teams (e.g., client account management, commercial, technical design).

• Partnership-Oriented: The role emphasizes building strong partnerships with external stakeholders, particularly D&B contractors, requiring a collaborative and mutually beneficial approach.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Encouraging open communication, constructive feedback, and continuous learning to enhance performance and client satisfaction.

• Inclusion and Respect: Fostering a safe and respectful environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to better decision-making and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values impact, inclusion, and innovation. As a leader, demonstrating these values through actions and decision-making will be critical for success and for fostering a positive team environment, especially within the context of a hybrid work setup.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across diverse teams and geographies within AECOM to drive D&B strategy and secure opportunities.

• Intense Market Competition: The UK water sector, particularly with significant upcoming investment, is highly competitive, requiring a differentiated and compelling value proposition for contractors.

• Balancing Growth with Profitability: Driving significant revenue growth while ensuring profitable delivery of complex D&B projects.

• Resource Management: Ensuring adequate and skilled resources are available to support winning and delivering D&B projects in a dynamic market.

• Adapting to Evolving Client Needs: Staying ahead of changing client requirements, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements within the water sector.

• Driving Cultural Change: Championing EDI and fostering a strong SH&E culture across diverse teams and projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Market Leadership: Deepening expertise in market strategy development and execution for the infrastructure sector.

• Advanced Commercial Acumen: Further developing skills in complex contract negotiation, risk management, and financial stewardship of large D&B projects.

• Cross-Sectoral Experience: Gaining exposure to AECOM's broader range of services and project types, potentially leading to opportunities beyond the water sector.

• Executive Coaching & Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within AECOM for guidance and development.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to represent AECOM at key industry events, enhancing professional profile and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior leadership roles in large, competitive industries. The growth opportunities are focused on expanding strategic influence, commercial expertise, and leadership scope within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a market growth strategy for the Design & Build contractor segment within the UK water industry. What key components would be essential?"

• "How would you build and leverage strategic partnerships with major D&B contractors to secure significant project wins? What are the critical success factors?"

• "AECOM is committed to 'delivering a better world.' How would you integrate sustainability and social impact considerations into our D&B offerings and team's approach?"

• "What metrics would you use to track the success of our contractor-led D&B business, and how would you use this data to drive performance improvements?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about AECOM and this specific role within our Water UK&I business?"

• "How do you foster a culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within your teams, and what has been your experience in driving EDI initiatives?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and manage diverse, multidisciplinary teams, particularly in a hybrid work environment."

• "How do you ensure SH&E is a top priority and effectively managed within your areas of responsibility?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: When discussing past projects, emphasize the business outcomes: revenue growth, contract wins, strategic positioning achieved, client satisfaction scores, and team development.

• Structure Your Narrative: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and a clear strategic framework for discussing market initiatives and project wins.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Numbers speak volumes – project values, revenue figures, growth percentages, team sizes, efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Articulate the 'why' behind your actions. Show how you identified opportunities, analyzed markets, and made strategic decisions.

• Showcase D&B Understanding: Clearly articulate your experience with D&B contracts, contractor relationships, and the nuances of this market segment.

• Be Prepared for Financial Discussions: As a director role, you'll likely be asked about commercial strategies, profitability, and financial oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate their experience in driving growth, managing complex projects, and leading teams within the infrastructure and water sectors, with a clear emphasis on the Design & Build contractor market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations leadership position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal, ensuring your CV and any supporting documents are tailored to highlight your senior leadership experience, D&B market expertise, and achievements in the water sector.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather 2-3 key case studies that best exemplify your success in driving growth, winning major D&B contracts, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing commercial aspects of large projects. Focus on quantifying your achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with strategic planning, business development, contract management, and leadership within a matrixed environment. Use keywords from the job description.

• Company Research: Deeply understand AECOM's mission, values (especially EDI and sustainability), recent projects in the water sector, and its position in the UK market. Familiarize yourself with their approach to Design & Build contracting.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to potential strategy, leadership, and company-specific questions. Practice articulating your experience and vision concisely and impactfully, as if presenting your portfolio.

⚠️ 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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