Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Operations & Consulting (Water Sector)

Date Posted: 2026-04-13T09:17:42.611

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic growth and market development for AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) services within the UK & Ireland (UK&I) Water sector, focusing on contractor-led opportunities.

• Drive business development initiatives, identify new opportunities, and secure major frameworks and contracts in a rapidly expanding infrastructure market.

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

• Oversee bid governance and project delivery for significant D&B projects, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction and adherence to SH&E standards.

• Act as a key member of the Water UK&I leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction and operational excellence of the business line.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Water sector, a critical area for infrastructure investment. The "Design & Build" focus indicates a strategic emphasis on partnering with contractors, requiring strong commercial acumen and relationship management skills. The leadership aspect and the "Head of" title suggest significant autonomy and responsibility for P&L, strategy, and team management within this specific market segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive contractor-led market growth plan for the Water UK&I business, aligning with the broader AECOM UK&I Strategic Plan.

• Proactively identify, track, and pursue new D&B opportunities in collaboration with Client Account Managers and Business Directors, ensuring timely entry into business planning and pursuit systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and market presence within the contractor community through strategic communication and targeted engagement.

• Cultivate and maintain robust partnerships with key contractors and designers to strategically pursue high-value D&B projects and frameworks.

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

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), fostering an engaged and development-focused work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

• Collaborate with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements for the D&B segment, leading recruitment for strategic and senior positions.

• Facilitate cross-European and global collaboration to deliver complex, multidisciplinary D&B projects, leveraging AECOM's global capabilities in work-winning.

• Ensure robust bid governance and effective Go/No-Go decision-making for major contractor-led pursuits, while also supporting governance for smaller opportunities.

• Lead by example in promoting and enforcing AECOM's Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) policies and procedures, ensuring the achievement of core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic business development and operational oversight of D&B projects. The emphasis on "contractor-led" implies a need to understand procurement routes, contract types common in D&B, and the specific needs and drivers of main contractors. The reporting structure and collaboration points indicate a significant cross-functional role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical), Construction Management, or a related technical field is typically expected for senior roles in this sector. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications would be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or a key supplier within the water sector. Proven track record in business development, strategic planning, and delivering major infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

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

• Proven success in building, leading, and developing leadership teams and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong command of the UK & Ireland water markets, including in-depth knowledge of key contractors, their operational models, and procurement strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to drive growth-focused leadership, including strategic planning, talent development, and coaching.

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

• Proven track record of securing major frameworks, winning new business opportunities, and growing existing client contracts within the water sector.

• Exceptional client relationship management capabilities, with a focus on building trust and delivering value to contractor clients.

• Solid attention to detail, with a demonstrated history of delivering effective health & safety initiatives and promoting a strong safety culture.

• Experienced in motivating, managing, and developing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced project environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific D&B contract forms prevalent in the UK water industry (e.g., NEC, FIDIC variations).

• Familiarity with water sector investment cycles and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ofwat price reviews).

• Experience in digital transformation initiatives within infrastructure project delivery.

• Public speaking and strong presentation skills for industry events and client pitches.

• Financial acumen and experience in P&L management for a business unit or market segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" experience level and the "Head of" title strongly suggest a need for deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and proven leadership capabilities. The emphasis on contractor relationships and D&B implies a focus on commercial and contractual understanding beyond traditional design consultancy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable evidence of successful strategic planning and market growth initiatives within the water sector or similar infrastructure domains.

• Case studies showcasing successful D&B project wins, highlighting personal contribution to business development, bid strategy, and commercial negotiation.

• Examples of leadership and team management, illustrating the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

• Documentation or presentation of strategies implemented for enhancing client satisfaction and managing key stakeholder relationships, particularly with contractors.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of market analysis, strategy development, and implementation plans for growing a specific business line or market segment.

• Documentation illustrating experience in developing and managing business development pipelines, opportunity tracking, and win/loss analysis.

• Case studies detailing the management of D&B bids, including proposal development, risk assessment, Go/No-Go decision frameworks, and commercial negotiation strategies.

• Records or descriptions of processes implemented for monitoring project performance, ensuring client satisfaction (e.g., NPS tracking), and driving continuous improvement.

• Examples of SH&E leadership, including the implementation of policies, procedures, and metrics to foster a strong safety culture within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior leadership role like this, a portfolio should showcase strategic impact, commercial success, and leadership effectiveness. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for market analysis, opportunity development, bid management, and team leadership, supported by quantifiable achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership roles (Head of Department/Director level) in major engineering and construction consultancies in London, with significant P&L responsibility, the estimated annual salary range would be between £120,000 and £180,000. This range is highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, track record, and the precise scope of responsibilities within AECOM's global structure.

Benefits:

• Career development opportunities, including access to training and leadership programs.

• Flexible hybrid working model, promoting work-life balance.

• Access to technical practice networks for professional development and knowledge sharing.

• AECOM University for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Paid volunteering days to support community initiatives.

• Comprehensive health and well-being programs.

• Pension scheme.

• Life assurance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentive plans.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as full-time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the senior leadership nature and client-facing responsibilities in the D&B sector, flexibility will be required, often necessitating work beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines and client demands. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing these hours between home and office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical senior leadership compensation in the UK infrastructure consulting sector, particularly in London, considering the responsibility for market growth and team leadership. Benefits listed are directly from the job description and are standard for large multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the Engineering, Construction, and Consulting industry, specifically focusing on infrastructure. The Water sector is a significant and growing area, driven by substantial investment needs in the UK and globally for water, wastewater, and stormwater management. This sector is increasingly focused on sustainability, resilience, and technological innovation.

Company Size: AECOM is a global Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This large size offers extensive resources, global reach, and diverse career opportunities, but also necessitates navigating a matrixed organizational structure.

Founded: AECOM's history traces back to 1910, with significant growth through mergers and acquisitions, culminating in its current global presence. This long history suggests a stable, established organization with deep expertise and a strong market reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Water UK&I business unit is comprised of approximately 600 professionals. This role is part of the Water UK&I leadership team, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Water.

• The Head of Design & Build will collaborate closely with Business Directors (including the Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director), AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams.

Methodology:

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

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in the context of delivering complex infrastructure projects efficiently.

• Automation and digital solutions are increasingly integrated into project delivery and client services.

• A strong focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles underpins their project execution and corporate strategy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's positioning as a global leader in infrastructure consulting, combined with its significant size and history, indicates a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation is key for candidates to understand. The "Head of Design & Build" role is strategic, requiring alignment with broader company objectives while driving specific market growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level, specifically focused on a key market segment (Design & Build contractors) within a major business line (Water). It involves significant P&L responsibility, strategic decision-making, and direct impact on the company's growth trajectory in a critical sector.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I. This position will also require extensive collaboration with other senior leaders across various business functions and geographies, including Commercial, Strategy & Growth, European leadership, and global water/contractor market teams.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build will have a profound impact on AECOM's revenue and market share within the UK&I water sector, particularly in the contractor-led segment. Success in this role directly translates to securing major projects, driving profitability, and enhancing AECOM's reputation as a preferred partner for contractors. Their leadership in fostering innovation and client satisfaction will contribute to long-term sustainable growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential progression to higher leadership roles within the Water business line, such as Business Line Director for Water UK&I, or a broader regional leadership role within AECOM's global operations.

• Horizontal Growth: Opportunity to expand influence into other infrastructure sectors or to lead broader market segments beyond D&B.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in strategic market development, complex contract negotiation, large-scale program management, and executive leadership within a global consulting firm. Opportunity to mentor and develop future leaders within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for career advancement, providing exposure to executive-level decision-making and strategic market shaping. The focus on a growing sector like Water and a specific delivery model (D&B) allows for specialization and high-impact contributions, leading to clear growth pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on a hybrid work model, with a primary office location in London (Aldgate Tower). This suggests a professional, corporate office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work. The hybrid nature allows for a blend of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, UK, specifically Aldgate Tower. An additional location mentioned is Leeds, United Kingdom, suggesting potential for travel or flexible working arrangements across these key AECOM hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The London office, Aldgate Tower, is a modern corporate facility likely equipped with advanced technology and collaborative spaces conducive to team meetings and client engagements.

• The hybrid model supports a flexible approach to work, allowing operations professionals to balance focused individual tasks (potentially at home) with collaborative sessions, strategic planning meetings, and team interactions at the office.

• AECOM promotes a culture of collaboration, suggesting opportunities to interact with diverse teams across various disciplines within the Water business and other AECOM groups.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the senior leadership and client-facing nature of this role in the D&B sector will require flexibility, with potential for extended hours to meet project demands and client needs. The hybrid model provides flexibility in managing work location and, to some extent, work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates AECOM's adaptation to modern work practices, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. For a leadership role, the London office likely serves as a hub for strategic meetings and client interactions, while Leeds may offer additional operational support or regional presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment partner, assessing alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I to assess strategic thinking, leadership experience, market knowledge, and cultural fit.

• Panel Interview/Workshop: This may involve interviews with other senior leaders (e.g., Commercial Director, other Business Directors) and potentially a presentation or case study exercise focused on market growth strategy, D&B project acquisition, or team leadership.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior executive (e.g., regional CEO) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio to tell a compelling story of your career progression, focusing on leadership achievements, market growth successes, and impact on business objectives.

• Quantifiable Results: For each case study or project highlighted, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific role and actions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., revenue growth achieved, contract value secured, team performance improvements, client satisfaction metrics).

• D&B Focus: Emphasize experience relevant to the contractor-led D&B market, showcasing your understanding of contractor needs, procurement processes, and how AECOM's services can add value.

• Leadership Examples: Include examples demonstrating your ability to build, mentor, and lead diverse, high-performing teams, as well as your approach to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely. Use visual aids where appropriate (e.g., charts for performance data) but prioritize substantive content over excessive formatting. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio and answer in-depth questions about your experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Strategy Presentation: Be prepared to present your vision for growing AECOM's D&B Water business, including target contractors, proposed engagement strategies, and key differentiators.

• Business Case Development: You may be asked to develop a business case for a specific strategic initiative or a response to a hypothetical D&B opportunity.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate underperforming individuals, or manage complex stakeholder relationships.

• Commercial Acumen: Prepare to discuss your experience with contract negotiation, risk management in bids, and financial oversight of projects or business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a "Head of" role will be rigorous, assessing strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and cultural alignment. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases quantifiable achievements in market growth and D&B project acquisition is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools: While not explicitly listed, proficiency with standard enterprise-level project management and CRM software is assumed. This would include:

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

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation on large infrastructure projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication and team collaboration, especially crucial in a hybrid environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports on business performance, market trends, and project KPIs.

• Financial Reporting Tools: SAP, Oracle, or internal AECOM systems for P&L tracking, budgeting, and financial performance analysis.

• Data Analysis Software: Excel (advanced functions), potentially R or Python for more sophisticated data analysis if required for market insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: As mentioned above, for managing client interactions and sales pipelines.

• ERP Systems: For integrated financial and operational data management.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint or similar for managing project documentation and contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't detailed, proficiency in industry-standard enterprise software for CRM, project management, and business intelligence is a given for a senior role in a large consultancy. The ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making and performance improvement is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging innovative thinking, proactive problem-solving, and a drive to identify and seize new opportunities.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively fostering a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique talents.

• Collaboration: Promoting teamwork across disciplines and geographies to deliver integrated solutions and achieve shared goals.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into all aspects of operations and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes collaboration across different business lines, technical disciplines, and geographies to deliver comprehensive solutions. This role will require active engagement with commercial, project management, design, and delivery teams.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement of processes, methodologies, and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to drive collective learning and efficiency.

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term partnerships, and ensuring client satisfaction through effective communication and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values (integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, pioneering mindset, EDI, sustainability) provide a strong framework for understanding the expected work culture. For this role, collaboration with contractors and internal stakeholders will be paramount, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across multiple business units, geographies, and functional teams within a large, complex organization.

• Intense Market Competition: The UK water sector, particularly in D&B, is highly competitive, requiring continuous innovation and strategic differentiation to win and retain business.

• Resource Management: Balancing resource demands with availability, especially for specialized skills required in D&B projects, and forecasting future needs accurately.

• Driving Cultural Change: Championing EDI and fostering a continuous improvement mindset across diverse teams, potentially across different locations and disciplines.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technology: Staying abreast of changes in water sector regulations, investment cycles, and emerging technologies (e.g., digital twins, AI in infrastructure management) to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in strategic market development, large-scale D&B project acquisition, and advanced commercial contracting.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Opportunities to attend key industry events (e.g., Water UK, industry-specific D&B conferences) and pursue relevant certifications or advanced training.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior AECOM leaders and to mentor junior staff, developing leadership capabilities and contributing to talent succession planning.

• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from and contributing to AECOM's global network of water and D&B experts, sharing and adopting best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in leading a strategic growth initiative within a large, established company, particularly in a competitive and dynamic sector. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth and development opportunities for the successful candidate.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and executing a market growth strategy for a specific segment (e.g., D&B contractors) within a large infrastructure consulting firm. What are the key components, and how would you measure success?"

• "How do you build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major D&B contractors? Provide an example of a challenging contractor relationship you managed and how you navigated it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's current position and strategy in the UK water sector, particularly concerning Design & Build?"

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and high performance within a diverse, multidisciplinary team, especially in a hybrid work environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your career, highlighting your most significant achievements and relevance to this role.

• D&B Project Wins: Detail 2-3 key D&B projects you were instrumental in winning or significantly contributed to. Focus on your role in business development, bid strategy, commercial negotiation, and client relationship management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., contract value, revenue impact, win rate).

• Leadership & Team Building: Showcase examples of how you've built, led, and developed high-performing teams. Discuss your leadership philosophy and how you foster talent.

• Strategic Initiatives: Present a case study on a strategic initiative you led that resulted in market growth, process improvement, or enhanced client satisfaction.

• Concise & Visual: Keep slides clean, professional, and focused on key messages. Use graphics or charts to illustrate data where appropriate. Be prepared for Q&A and to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial acumen, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of the UK water D&B market. Portfolio presentation is critical for senior roles, requiring a clear, data-driven narrative of impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary documents to prominently feature your experience in leading D&B initiatives, business development within the water sector, contract management, and senior leadership. Highlight achievements that align directly with the responsibilities outlined, such as securing major contracts or driving market growth.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of senior leadership experience, emphasizing your track record in the UK water market and with contractor clients. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., Design & Build, contractor-led, business development, commercial management, leadership).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare your portfolio presentation, focusing on quantifiable achievements and strategic impact. Research AECOM's recent projects and initiatives in the water sector.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of AECOM's values, mission, and strategic goals, particularly regarding infrastructure development and sustainability. Familiarize yourself with their key clients, competitors, and any recent news or announcements relevant to the water sector.

⚠️ 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.