Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

AECOM
Full-timeCroydon, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Infrastructure & Water Sector Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead and drive the strategic growth of AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) business within the UK & Ireland water sector, focusing on contractor-led opportunities.

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy to expand AECOM's presence and project wins in this critical infrastructure segment.

  • Manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and client-centricity.

  • Oversee bid governance and key commercial aspects of major D&B projects, ensuring successful work-winning and profitable delivery.

  • Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key water sector contractors and designers to secure high-value frameworks and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within AECOM's Water UK&I business, with a clear mandate to grow a specific market segment (Design & Build contractors). The emphasis on strategy, commercial acumen, team leadership, and client relationships suggests a GTM (Go-to-Market) operations focus, driving revenue through strategic partnerships and project acquisition within the infrastructure consulting space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a robust contractor-led market growth plan, aligning with AECOM's Water UK&I strategic objectives and global D&B initiatives.

  • Drive proactive opportunity identification, monitoring, and tracking in collaboration with Client Account Managers and Business Unit Directors.

  • Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor market through targeted internal and external communications and engagement.

  • Build and nurture strategic relationships with major water sector contractors and design partners to secure competitive advantages in pursuits.

  • Ensure exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, gathering feedback (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and implementing continuous improvement actions.

  • Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), to foster an engaging and supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

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

  • Facilitate seamless collaboration with European and global AECOM teams to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary D&B projects and showcase AECOM's work-winning capabilities.

  • Provide strong bid governance and leadership through the Go/No-Go process for major contractor-led pursuits, and support governance for smaller projects.

  • Uphold and promote AECOM's Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring compliance with policies and achievement of core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, business development operations, and project oversight. The mention of "bid governance" and "Go/No-Go process" indicates a critical role in the sales operations funnel, influencing which opportunities AECOM pursues and how. The emphasis on client satisfaction through NPS feedback points towards a focus on operational excellence and client retention strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is typically expected for senior leadership roles in this sector.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier.

  • Proven track record in developing and executing successful market growth strategies, particularly within the Design & Build (D&B) segment.

  • Extensive experience in commercial and contract management, with a strong understanding of D&B contracting models.

  • Demonstrated success in winning major frameworks, new opportunities, and growing existing contracts through effective business development and client relationship management.

  • Experience in leading and developing diverse, multidisciplinary project teams in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Required Skills:

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

  • Business Development & Work Winning: Proven expertise in identifying, pursuing, and securing high-value infrastructure projects.

  • Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of contract negotiation, financial management, and profitability drivers in D&B projects.

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

  • Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, clients, and contractor partners.

  • UK Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, key players, and industry drivers.

  • Bid Governance & Process Management: Experience in managing bid processes, including Go/No-Go decisions and ensuring robust governance.

  • Health & Safety Leadership: Commitment to and experience in promoting and implementing strong SH&E practices.

Preferred Skills:

  • Client Relationship Management: Advanced skills in fostering long-term client loyalty and driving satisfaction through proactive engagement.

  • EDI Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within teams and the broader organization.

  • Financial Planning & Forecasting: Ability to manage budgets, forecast resource needs, and contribute to financial planning.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively across different business units and global regions.

  • Digital Innovation: Understanding of how digital tools and technologies can enhance D&B project delivery and client value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and senior leadership requirements imply a deep understanding of operational workflows in project acquisition and delivery within the infrastructure consulting sector. The emphasis on "contractor-led market" and "Design & Build" specifically points to expertise in a particular GTM motion within the broader infrastructure consulting business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Case Studies of D&B Project Wins: Detailed examples of successful contractor-led projects secured, highlighting AECOM's role, value proposition, and the win strategy.

  • Market Growth Strategy Examples: Documentation showcasing developed and implemented market strategies, including target identification, partnership development, and market penetration tactics.

  • Team Leadership & Development Frameworks: Evidence of approaches used to build, manage, and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams, including recruitment strategies and talent development plans.

  • Commercial & Bid Governance Examples: Demonstrations of experience in bid evaluation, Go/No-Go decision-making processes, and commercial negotiation successes.

  • Client Relationship & Satisfaction Metrics: Examples of how client satisfaction has been managed and improved, potentially including metrics like NPS and client feedback summaries.

Process Documentation:

  • Market Entry & Expansion Processes: Documented methodologies for identifying new market opportunities, establishing presence, and driving growth within specific segments like D&B contractors.

  • Bid and Proposal Operations: Workflows and best practices for managing the bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification through to proposal submission and negotiation.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration Protocols: Established procedures for effective teamwork and communication between different departments (e.g., technical, commercial, legal, operations) and global teams.

  • Performance Management & Improvement Systems: Frameworks for setting objectives, monitoring performance (including SH&E and client satisfaction), and implementing corrective actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design & Build role, a portfolio should clearly articulate strategic thinking, business development execution, and leadership capabilities. The focus should be on demonstrating how the candidate has driven growth, managed complex projects, and led teams to achieve commercial success within the D&B contracting space. Process documentation should reflect a systematic approach to market operations and project acquisition.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior leadership nature of this role, the strategic impact on revenue generation, and the demanding market, the estimated salary range for a Head of Design & Build in London, UK (with 10+ years of experience) is likely to be in the region of £120,000 - £180,000 per annum. This figure is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for senior executive roles in infrastructure consulting in London, considering factors like company size (AECOM is a large multinational), sector specialization (Water UK&I), and the strategic importance of the role.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, promoting work-life integration.

  • Career Development Opportunities: Access to continuous learning, professional development programs, and potential for advancement within AECOM's global network.

  • Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to engage with subject matter experts across various disciplines, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation.

  • AECOM University: A comprehensive learning platform providing access to courses, training, and resources for skill enhancement.

  • Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives and support social causes, aligning with AECOM's commitment to a better world.

  • Comprehensive Health & Well-being Programs: Likely to include private medical insurance, life assurance, critical illness cover, and employee assistance programs.

  • Pension Scheme: A competitive employer-matched pension plan to support long-term financial security.

  • Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, particularly related to business growth and profitability targets.

Working Hours:

The role is advertised as Full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. However, given the senior leadership and market-facing nature of the position, flexibility is expected, with potential for longer hours during peak periods such as bid submissions or critical project phases. The hybrid working model allows for some flexibility in managing these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for senior management positions in the UK engineering and construction consulting sector, particularly in London, factoring in responsibilities for market growth, P&L (Profit and Loss) oversight, and team leadership. Benefits are tailored to reflect typical offerings for large, multinational corporations in this industry, emphasizing professional growth and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization, employing over 50,000 professionals worldwide. This size implies a structured environment with significant resources, established processes, and diverse career pathways, but also a need for agility and clear communication to navigate its complexity. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for large-scale impact, access to cutting-edge tools and methodologies, and collaboration with a vast network of experts.

Founded: AECOM's history spans several decades through various mergers and acquisitions, with its current form established in 2000. This long-standing presence in the industry signifies stability, deep expertise, and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects globally.

Team Structure:

  • Water UK&I Leadership Team: The Head of Design & Build will be a key member of this leadership group, reporting to the Managing Director of Water. This team likely includes directors responsible for strategy, growth, commercial operations, and specific business units.

  • Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water and will collaborate closely with Business Directors, the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, and the Commercial Director. The role also has direct reports, likely senior managers or directors responsible for managing specific D&B teams or regions.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is heavily reliant on collaboration with Client Account Managers, technical discipline leads, global water and contractor market teams, and other AECOM business lines to deliver integrated solutions and win work.

Methodology:

  • Data-Led Performance Improvement: AECOM emphasizes using data to drive decision-making and enhance performance, as indicated by the focus on Net Promoter Score feedback and other performance metrics.

  • Strategic Planning & Implementation: The company operates with clear strategic plans, requiring leaders to translate overarching goals into actionable market growth plans and execution.

  • Integrated Service Delivery: AECOM's approach is to provide end-to-end services across the project lifecycle, requiring seamless collaboration and integration of multidisciplinary teams.

  • Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) Focus: A strong commitment to SH&E is embedded in AECOM's operations, with clear policies and metrics to ensure a safe working environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and global reach are significant factors for operations professionals. The emphasis on a "matrixed multinational consultancy" highlights the need for strong communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. The focus on data-driven improvements and integrated service delivery aligns with modern GTM and operations best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior executive or director-level position within the operations and business development functions of AECOM's Water UK&I business. It is a strategic leadership role with significant P&L (Profit and Loss) influence and direct responsibility for revenue growth in a key market segment.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design & Build reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This provides high visibility and direct access to senior leadership, enabling swift decision-making and strategic alignment. The role also manages a team of direct reports, likely senior engineers, project managers, and business development leads focused on the D&B contractor market.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is substantial. By driving growth in the contractor-led Design & Build market, the Head of Design & Build directly influences AECOM's revenue, profitability, and market share within the critical UK water sector. Success in this role contributes to delivering key infrastructure projects that have a tangible impact on public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. The role is pivotal in shaping AECOM's strategic positioning and competitive advantage in a rapidly expanding market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into broader leadership roles within AECOM's Water business or other sectors/regions, such as UK&I Water Director, European Water Lead, or Head of a different consulting service line.

  • Strategic Business Unit Expansion: Opportunity to further develop and expand the Design & Build contractor market, potentially by taking on responsibility for adjacent market segments or increasing the scope of current D&B operations.

  • Global Influence: Involvement in global contractor market initiatives and collaboration with international teams can lead to broader exposure and influence within AECOM's worldwide operations.

  • Skill Specialization & Development: Continuous learning through AECOM University, industry conferences, and exposure to diverse projects will deepen expertise in infrastructure consulting, D&B delivery, and strategic market development.

  • Mentorship & Team Development: The opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within AECOM's D&B and Water operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly a significant step in an operations or GTM career path, offering substantial influence and growth potential within a major global consultancy. The emphasis on "driving growth" and "market strategy" positions it at the forefront of AECOM's commercial operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. AECOM's primary location for this role is London (specifically Aldgate Tower), which is a major commercial hub. The hybrid model suggests the use of AECOM offices for collaborative meetings, team sessions, client engagements, and strategic planning, while allowing for focused work from a remote location.

Office Location(s):

  • Primary: Aldgate Tower, London, United Kingdom. This is a prime location in the City of London, offering excellent transport links and access to a vibrant business ecosystem.

  • Potential for Travel: While hybrid, the role will likely involve travel to client sites, contractor offices, and potentially other AECOM offices across the UK & Ireland, and occasionally internationally, to support business development and project delivery efforts.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: AECOM offices are designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces. The hybrid model encourages intentional use of office time for team synergy and idea exchange.

  • Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's robust technology infrastructure, including project management software, collaboration platforms, data analytics tools, and communication systems, will be essential for effective operations management.

  • Team Interaction Opportunities: Hybrid work requires proactive engagement. The role will involve regular virtual and in-person interactions with direct reports, peers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to maintain strong working relationships and drive project success.

Work Schedule:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how these hours are structured, allowing individuals to balance work responsibilities with personal commitments. However, the demanding nature of senior leadership and business development in a competitive market will necessitate adaptability and availability beyond standard hours when required for critical deadlines, client needs, or strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect for attracting talent. For operations roles, this implies a need for strong self-management, digital communication skills, and the ability to maintain team cohesion and productivity across different work locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for a senior leadership role like this is typically multi-stage and rigorous, designed to assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, and cultural fit.

  1. Initial Screening: A review of the CV and application by HR or a recruitment specialist to confirm essential qualifications and experience.

  2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Managing Director of Water to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and alignment with the role's objectives.

  3. Panel Interview: This may involve senior leaders from the Water business, commercial directors, and potentially HR. It will focus on in-depth experience in D&B, market strategy, leadership, and problem-solving.

  4. Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation on a strategic topic, such as a proposed market growth plan for the D&B contractor segment, or to analyze a hypothetical business challenge. This assesses strategic thinking, presentation skills, and understanding of operations.

  5. Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior executive or regional leader to confirm suitability for the role and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Strategic Impact Focus: Highlight instances where your strategic initiatives directly led to significant business growth, market share gains, or improved operational efficiency in D&B contracting.

  • Quantifiable Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate success. For example, "Grew contractor-led D&B revenue by X% over Y years," "Secured Z major frameworks valued at £X million," or "Improved bid win rate by X% through enhanced bid governance."

  • Leadership Narrative: Showcase your ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you fostered collaboration, drove accountability, and developed talent.

  • Market Insight Demonstration: Clearly articulate your understanding of the UK Water D&B market, its key players, challenges, and opportunities. Show how you've leveraged this insight to develop effective strategies.

  • Process & System Improvement: If applicable, present examples of how you've improved operational processes related to business development, bid management, or project delivery within a D&B context.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Market Strategy Development: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing and implementing a growth strategy for AECOM's D&B contractor business in the UK. Consider market analysis, competitive landscape, partnership opportunities, and resource allocation.

  • Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing difficult team dynamics, driving change, fostering innovation, and ensuring accountability.

  • Commercial & Risk Management: Prepare to discuss your experience with complex contracts, bid governance, risk assessment, and financial oversight in large-scale D&B projects.

  • Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Think about how you build and maintain strong relationships with key contractors and internal stakeholders, and how you navigate challenging stakeholder environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on driving market growth and operations, the interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic planning, commercial execution, and leadership impact. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating quantifiable results and a clear understanding of the D&B operational landscape is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Essential for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, forecasting sales pipelines, and measuring business development effectiveness. Proficiency in using CRM for strategic market management and reporting is key.

  • Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Smartsheet): While not directly managing projects, understanding the capabilities and data outputs of these tools is vital for overseeing D&B project portfolios and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word): Advanced proficiency is expected for data analysis, financial modeling, strategic planning documentation, and executive presentations. Excel for complex data manipulation and PowerPoint for compelling stakeholder communication are critical.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): To analyze market trends, track sales performance, monitor project profitability, and generate reports for senior leadership. The ability to interpret data and derive actionable insights is paramount.

  • Financial Reporting Software: Understanding how to access and interpret financial data related to project budgets, forecasts, and profitability.

CRM & Automation:

  • Sales Process Automation Tools: Understanding how automation can streamline lead management, proposal generation, and client communication within the D&B pursuit process.

  • Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): For seamless communication and collaboration with dispersed teams, both internal and external.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a leadership role, a strong understanding of the tools that drive sales operations, project delivery oversight, and data analytics within AECOM's ecosystem is expected. The ability to leverage these tools for strategic decision-making and performance management is a core requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Delivering a Better World: This overarching value means that operations decisions and strategies should contribute to sustainable, impactful infrastructure solutions that benefit society and the environment.

  • Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, from client interactions and bid processes to internal management and team conduct.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Actively fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents. This includes proactive recruitment, retention, and development of diverse talent.

  • Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery, client value, and operational efficiency.

  • Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through exceptional service, proactive engagement, and delivering tangible value.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on breaking down silos and fostering seamless collaboration between technical disciplines, commercial teams, project management, and leadership to deliver comprehensive solutions.

  • Partnership Approach: Building strong, collaborative relationships with external partners, particularly contractors, to achieve shared project goals and foster long-term business relationships.

  • Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where honest feedback is shared constructively, and continuous improvement is driven through open dialogue and learning from both successes and challenges.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and market intelligence across teams and business units to elevate overall performance and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are critical for operations leaders. They dictate how decisions are made, how teams are managed, and how AECOM engages with clients and partners. Demonstrating alignment with these values is as important as technical expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating a Competitive Market: The UK water sector is highly competitive, with established players and evolving client demands. Staying ahead requires continuous innovation and strategic market positioning.

  • Driving Growth in a Dynamic Sector: The water industry is undergoing significant investment and transformation (e.g., AMP periods, climate resilience, digital adoption), requiring agile strategies to capitalize on new opportunities.

  • Managing Large-Scale D&B Pursuits: Overseeing complex bid processes and ensuring robust governance for high-value, multi-disciplinary Design & Build projects demands strong risk management and commercial oversight.

  • Leading Diverse, Distributed Teams: Effectively managing and motivating hybrid and multidisciplinary teams across different locations and professional backgrounds requires strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Ensuring that high-level growth strategies are translated into effective day-to-day operations and project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Leadership Training: Access to AECOM's leadership development programs, focusing on strategic thinking, executive presence, and managing complex organizations.

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

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

  • Specialized Training: Access to courses and certifications related to Design & Build contracting, commercial management, strategic planning, and digital transformation in infrastructure.

  • Exposure to Global Best Practices: Collaboration with international teams provides insights into different market approaches and innovative solutions used in other regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and growth opportunities demonstrates a proactive and strategic mindset, crucial for a senior operations leader. It shows an awareness of the professional landscape and a commitment to continuous improvement.

💡 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 sector. What key metrics would you track?"

    • Preparation: Outline a phased approach (market analysis, opportunity identification, strategy formulation, execution, monitoring). Emphasize data-driven decision-making, key performance indicators (KPIs) like win rate, revenue growth, client satisfaction, and market share.
  • "How do you foster a culture of high performance and collaboration within a hybrid, multidisciplinary team, especially when pursuing large D&B projects?"

    • Preparation: Discuss strategies for clear communication, setting shared goals, leveraging collaboration tools, promoting accountability, and fostering psychological safety. Provide examples of how you've managed similar teams.
  • "Walk us through your experience with bid governance and the Go/No-Go process for major infrastructure projects. What are the critical factors you consider?"

    • Preparation: Detail your role in bid evaluation, risk assessment (commercial, technical, strategic), resource commitment, and strategic alignment. Emphasize objective decision-making based on balanced risk and reward.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do AECOM's values (e.g., 'Delivering a Better World,' DEI) align with your leadership philosophy and approach to managing operations in the water sector?"

    • Preparation: Research AECOM's specific initiatives and statements on these values. Connect your own leadership principles and past actions to these values, providing concrete examples.
  • "AECOM operates in a matrixed environment. How would you ensure effective collaboration and alignment with various internal stakeholders (e.g., technical leads, commercial directors, global teams) to secure D&B opportunities?"

    • Preparation: Focus on your communication style, stakeholder management techniques, and ability to build consensus. Highlight experience in navigating complex organizational structures.
  • "How do you measure and ensure client satisfaction, particularly with contractor clients where relationships can be complex?"

    • Preparation: Discuss methods beyond NPS, such as regular client feedback sessions, performance reviews, and proactive issue resolution. Emphasize understanding the contractor's perspective and delivering mutual value.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key achievements: market growth, significant project wins, team leadership, and process improvements. Use a clear narrative for each case study.

  • Quantify Everything: For each D&B project or initiative, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable results (revenue, profit, market share, efficiency gains, client satisfaction scores).

  • Focus on Strategic Contribution: Explain not just what you did, but why you did it – how it aligned with business strategy and delivered strategic value.

  • Leadership Demonstration: Use examples to showcase your leadership style, decision-making process, and ability to motivate teams.

  • Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your most impactful work concisely. Focus on the 'so what?' and the business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and a proven ability to drive growth and manage complex operations within the infrastructure consulting sector, specifically in the Design & Build contractor space.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your senior leadership experience, demonstrable success in business development within the Design & Build contractor market, commercial management expertise, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the infrastructure or water sector. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your most significant achievements in market growth, work winning, and leadership within D&B projects. Focus on quantifiable results and strategic impact. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

  • Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's mission, values, recent projects in the water sector, and their approach to Design & Build. Understand their commitment to sustainability and DEI.

  • Practice your Presentation: If a presentation or case study is required, practice delivering it clearly and concisely, focusing on strategic insights, operational execution, and measurable outcomes. Be prepared to answer challenging questions about your approach.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have senior leadership experience in a matrixed consultancy or contractor environment with deep knowledge of the UK water market. Proven success in business development, commercial management, and leading diverse teams is essential for this role.