Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom & Cardiff, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Leadership / Business Development / Infrastructure Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market expansion for AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) contractor-led business within the UK and Ireland Water sector, a critical component of Go-To-Market (GTM) operations.

• Drive business development initiatives, identify new opportunities, and manage the pursuit of high-value D&B projects in collaboration with Client Account Managers and Business Unit Directors.

• Oversee the commercial and contractual aspects of major D&B projects, including bid governance and Go/No-Go decision-making processes, directly impacting revenue generation and operational efficiency.

• Foster strong partnerships with key contractors and designers, enhancing AECOM's visibility and positioning within the contractor-led market segment.

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and drive employee engagement and continuous development within the Water UK&I leadership team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership role within the Water UK&I business, with a strong emphasis on business development and strategic market growth. While not explicitly a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" title, the core responsibilities heavily involve driving revenue through strategic market penetration, opportunity management, and commercial oversight, aligning it closely with GTM operations and strategic leadership functions. The "Design & Build" focus indicates a need for expertise in project delivery models that integrate design and construction phases, requiring strong operational and commercial acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan, aligning with the overarching Water UK&I Strategic Plan and contributing to overall revenue targets.

• Proactively identify, monitor, and track new business opportunities in the D&B space, ensuring timely entry into business planning and pipeline management systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's external profile and internal communication regarding its contractor-led capabilities and market strategy.

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key water sector contractors and designers to facilitate targeted pursuit of significant D&B opportunities.

• Implement and monitor performance improvement actions based on client feedback, including Net Promoter Score (NPS) analysis, to drive exceptional client satisfaction and repeat business.

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

• Provide leadership and governance for major contractor-led projects and programs, including rigorous bid review processes and Go/No-Go assessments.

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

• Work collaboratively with European and Global teams to deliver integrated multidisciplinary projects, showcasing AECOM's work-winning capabilities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into strategic market development, business winning, and operational oversight of project pursuits within the contractor-led segment. This requires a strong understanding of project lifecycle management, commercial negotiation, and stakeholder engagement, all critical for GTM operations success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is typically expected for this level of leadership.

Experience:

• Extensive senior leadership experience (10+ years) within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier.

• Proven track record in building and leading high-performing leadership teams and multidisciplinary project delivery teams.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic growth plans and business development initiatives within the water infrastructure sector.

• Significant experience in commercial and contract management, including expertise in securing major frameworks and winning new opportunities.

Required Skills:

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

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven success in identifying opportunities, building pipeline, and securing major contracts.

• Commercial Acumen & Contract Management: Deep understanding of commercial models, contract negotiation, and risk management in D&B projects.

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

• Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, contractors, and industry stakeholders.

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors, regulatory drivers, and socio-political influences.

• Project Governance & Bid Management: Experience in leading bid processes, conducting Go/No-Go evaluations, and ensuring robust project governance.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and P&L management for business units.

• Digital Transformation: Familiarity with leveraging digital tools and technologies to enhance D&B project delivery and client engagement.

• Sustainability & ESG Integration: Understanding of how to embed sustainability and ESG principles into D&B project strategies and delivery.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across different business units, regions, and global teams.

• Health, Safety & Environment (SH&E) Leadership: Commitment to driving a strong SH&E culture and achieving safety targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive requirements point to a strategic leadership role with significant commercial and operational responsibilities. Emphasis on "contractor-led" and "Design & Build" indicates a need for candidates who understand integrated project delivery models and have a strong business development and commercial background within this specific market segment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Growth Frameworks: Examples of developed and implemented market growth strategies, specifically for contractor-led segments or new market entries.

• Business Development Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful work-winning campaigns, including opportunity identification, pursuit strategies, and contract award metrics.

• Commercial & Contractual Expertise: Documentation showcasing experience in managing complex contracts, bid governance processes, and risk mitigation strategies for large-scale D&B projects.

• Team Leadership & Development: Evidence of building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, including talent acquisition and development initiatives.

• Performance Improvement Initiatives: Case studies detailing how data (e.g., NPS) was used to drive improvements in client satisfaction and operational efficiency within D&B projects.

Process Documentation:

• Market Strategy Development: Outline of the process for analyzing market trends, identifying target segments, and formulating growth strategies for the D&B contractor market.

• Opportunity Pipeline Management: Description of systems and processes for identifying, tracking, and managing D&B opportunities from initial lead generation through to bid submission.

• Bid Governance & Approval: Documentation of established bid governance procedures, including Go/No-Go decision frameworks, review gates, and approval workflows.

• Client Relationship Management: Processes and tools used to manage client relationships, gather feedback, and ensure high levels of client satisfaction on D&B projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio demonstrating strategic leadership, commercial success, and operational oversight of D&B pursuits is essential. The focus should be on impact, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate market insights into actionable growth plans and successful project acquisitions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior leadership level, extensive experience required, and strategic impact of this role within the UK water sector, the estimated salary range would be approximately £120,000 - £180,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar senior leadership positions in large engineering and consulting firms in London, considering the specialized expertise in Design & Build, water sector knowledge, and business development responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary: As outlined above, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role.

• Performance-Based Bonus: Typically offered for senior leadership roles, tied to individual, team, and company performance targets, particularly focused on revenue growth and project acquisition.

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to balance work between home and office, supporting work-life integration.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension plan with employer contributions.

• Health & Well-being Programs: Access to private healthcare, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through AECOM University, technical practice networks, and potential for further leadership development.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off for volunteering activities, aligning with AECOM's commitment to social impact.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life insurance coverage.

• Share Purchase Plan: Opportunities to invest in AECOM stock.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid working model allows for flexibility in managing these hours, provided business needs and project deadlines are met. Emphasis is placed on results and project delivery rather than strict adherence to office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Head of Department/Director roles in major UK infrastructure consulting firms, considering the London location and the specific market expertise required. Benefits are standard for senior roles in large, publicly traded companies like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services from advisory and design to program and construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources, global reach, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: AECOM was formed in 2000 through the merger of two companies, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor firms. This history suggests a stable, experienced organization with a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I reports directly to the Managing Director of Water and collaborates closely with Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth and the Commercial Director.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with Client Account Managers, Global Water and Contractor Market teams, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and various Business Unit Directors.

• Team Leadership: The role involves leading a dedicated D&B leadership team and influencing broader multidisciplinary project teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using data, including Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback, to inform strategy and drive performance improvements.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The focus on "Design & Build" signifies an approach that integrates design and construction phases to optimize project outcomes.

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on client satisfaction and building long-term partnerships.

• Commitment to SH&E: Rigorous adherence to Safety, Health & Environment policies and metrics is a core operational principle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by its global presence, commitment to innovation, and focus on delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. For this role, the emphasis will be on driving growth within a specific market segment while upholding the company's core values and operational standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within the Water business unit. It carries significant strategic responsibility for market growth, commercial success, and team leadership within a defined segment of the UK&I water market.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Managing Director of Water, placing it at a high level within the business hierarchy, with direct influence on strategic decisions and operational execution.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build has a direct impact on AECOM's revenue and profitability by driving the acquisition of major Design & Build projects in the water sector. Success in this role contributes to AECOM's market share, reputation, and ability to deliver critical infrastructure solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand leadership scope to encompass broader areas of the Water business or other geographies within AECOM.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape AECOM's long-term strategy for the contractor-led market and contribute to global D&B initiatives.

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

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior leaders and contribute to the development of future talent within the organization.

• Cross-Sector Exposure: Possibility to engage with D&B projects and teams in other sectors where AECOM operates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career step, offering substantial strategic influence and opportunities for continued growth within a global infrastructure leader. The focus on a key growth market within the water sector provides a platform for demonstrating leadership and driving tangible business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a hybrid working model, allowing employees to balance their work between AECOM offices and remote locations. The primary office location mentioned is Aldgate Tower in London, a modern business hub.

Office Location(s): Primary location is London, UK, with mention of Cardiff, UK as an alternative. This suggests a need to engage with teams and clients across these key regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to facilitate collaboration through scheduled office days, team meetings, and project-specific interactions.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to AECOM's suite of digital tools, project management software, and communication platforms to support efficient hybrid work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and cross-functional colleagues during office-based days.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing daily schedules, with an emphasis on meeting project deadlines and client commitments. This flexibility is crucial for effective operations management and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of AECOM's modern work culture, aiming to balance employee flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration critical for senior leadership roles and strategic initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly senior leadership experience, D&B market knowledge, and business development track record.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to delve into your strategic vision, leadership approach, commercial acumen, and understanding of the water D&B market.

• Panel Interview: Likely to involve other senior leaders (e.g., Commercial Director, other Business Directors) to assess your fit within the leadership team, strategic alignment, and collaborative capabilities. Expect questions on market strategy, team leadership, and challenging project scenarios.

• Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to prepare and present a strategic plan for growing the D&B contractor market, or a case study of a major D&B project you led from pursuit to delivery, focusing on commercial success and operational execution.

• Final Interview/Reference Checks: Final discussions and comprehensive reference checks to validate your experience and suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on showcasing your strategic thinking, market analysis capabilities, and the development of growth plans. Quantify the impact of your strategies on revenue, market share, or profitability.

• Commercial Success: Highlight your achievements in winning major contracts, managing complex commercial agreements, and overseeing bid governance. Use metrics to demonstrate financial outcomes and risk mitigation.

• Leadership & Team Building: Provide examples of how you have built, led, and motivated diverse, multidisciplinary teams to achieve project success and foster a positive work environment.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Detail your involvement in the pursuit and successful delivery of significant Design & Build projects, emphasizing your role in overcoming challenges and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Industry Relevance: Tailor your examples to the UK Water sector and contractor-led delivery models, demonstrating a deep understanding of the market dynamics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the UK water D&B market.

• Growth Strategy: Articulate your approach to identifying and capitalizing on new D&B opportunities.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing underperforming teams, resolving stakeholder conflicts, and driving change in a large organization.

• Commercial Negotiation: Be ready to discuss your experience with contract negotiation, risk management, and bid governance.

• AECOM Values: Demonstrate how your leadership style and approach align with AECOM's commitment to EDI, SH&E, and sustainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role like this will be rigorous. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial prowess, and proven leadership capabilities, supported by concrete examples from their career, ideally within the infrastructure or water sectors.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Essential for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and forecasting sales pipelines. Proficiency in utilizing CRM data for strategic planning and performance monitoring is key.

• Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asite): For overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of complex D&B projects. Understanding how these tools support integrated project lifecycles is important.

• Financial Management Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials): For managing project budgets, P&L, and commercial aspects of contracts.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Crucial for effective communication and collaboration within a hybrid work environment and across global teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): For creating dashboards and reports on market performance, pipeline health, client satisfaction, and financial metrics.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret complex datasets to inform strategic decisions and identify trends.

CRM & Automation:

• Pipeline Management Tools: Integrated within CRM or standalone systems for tracking opportunities through the sales funnel.

• Bid Management Software: Tools that assist in the proposal development and submission process for D&B projects.

• Contract Management Systems: For tracking contract terms, compliance, and financial obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a senior leader in this role is expected to be proficient in leveraging enterprise-level CRM, project management, and financial systems. The ability to interpret data from these systems for strategic decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: A core AECOM value that emphasizes the positive impact of infrastructure projects on society and the environment, driving a sense of purpose in operations.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings, bid processes, and client interactions.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively fostering a workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. This translates to inclusive team leadership and recruitment practices.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and approaches to deliver better project outcomes and client solutions.

• Collaboration: Promoting teamwork across departments, regions, and disciplines to leverage collective expertise and deliver integrated solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates strong collaboration with sales, project delivery, commercial, legal, and finance teams, both within the Water business and across AECOM's global network.

• Partnership Development: Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with external contractors and designers is a key aspect of the role.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and open communication channels to facilitate effective decision-making and problem-solving in a hybrid environment.

• Performance-Oriented: A focus on achieving collective goals through shared accountability and a results-driven approach to operations and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on its global values, particularly EDI and sustainability, is integral to its culture. Leaders are expected to embody these values and integrate them into their team's operations and decision-making processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector is highly competitive, requiring a robust strategy to differentiate AECOM and win significant D&B contracts.

• Navigating Complexity: Managing D&B projects involves coordinating multiple stakeholders, complex contractual arrangements, and stringent regulatory requirements.

• Driving Growth: Achieving ambitious growth targets in a mature market requires innovative business development strategies and effective execution.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining senior talent with specialized D&B and water sector expertise can be challenging in a competitive job market.

• Hybrid Work Integration: Ensuring effective team cohesion, communication, and productivity within a hybrid work model requires strong leadership and adaptable operational practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Access to executive coaching and leadership programs to enhance strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

• Industry Expertise Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of the UK water market, D&B models, and emerging technologies through AECOM's extensive resources and industry events.

• Global Network Engagement: Leveraging AECOM's international presence to gain insights from global D&B projects and best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to develop future leaders within AECOM.

• Sustainability and ESG Focus: Developing expertise in integrating sustainability and ESG principles into D&B project strategies, a growing area of importance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior leadership roles focused on growth in competitive, complex industries. The opportunities highlight AECOM's commitment to employee development and leveraging its global scale for professional advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategic approach to growing a contractor-led Design & Build business within the UK water sector. What are the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities?" (Focus on market analysis, segmentation, value proposition, and execution.)

• "How would you build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary D&B team in a hybrid work environment? Provide examples of your leadership style and team-building strategies." (Emphasize inclusivity, performance management, and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see AECOM's values, particularly EDI and sustainability, influencing your leadership approach and strategic decisions for the D&B water business?" (Demonstrate an understanding of AECOM's core principles and how you would integrate them.)

• "AECOM operates as a matrixed organization. How would you foster collaboration and alignment between your team, other business units, and global functions?" (Highlight your ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by key competencies: Strategy & Growth, Commercial & Contracts, Leadership & Team Building, and Project Execution.

• Quantify Achievements: For each example, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth percentage, contract value secured, cost savings achieved, client satisfaction improvements).

• Focus on D&B & Water Sector: Prioritize examples directly relevant to Design & Build delivery models and the water infrastructure sector.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely, using visuals where appropriate (e.g., charts for performance metrics). Be prepared to speak to each element of your portfolio in detail.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you successfully navigated complex challenges, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate a clear vision for growth, demonstrate deep commercial and leadership expertise, and show a strong understanding of AECOM's values and operational context. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing tangible achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations leadership position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to highlight specific achievements in Design & Build contract acquisition, strategic market growth, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams, particularly within the water sector. Select 2-3 key case studies that best demonstrate your impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize senior leadership experience, business development success, commercial and contractual expertise, and your track record in the infrastructure or water industry. Integrate keywords such as "Design & Build," "contractor-led market," "strategic growth," "bid governance," and "client relationship management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for the D&B water market, your leadership philosophy, and your approach to commercial negotiation and project oversight. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your career that align with AECOM's values and the role's responsibilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's current projects, strategic priorities, and recent performance, particularly within the Water UK&I business. Understand their commitment to sustainability and EDI to better align your responses during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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