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) / Exeter, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Operations / Water Sector Leadership

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of AECOM's Design & Build (D&B) market strategy within the UK & Ireland Water sector, driving revenue growth and expanding market share.

• Accountable for building and nurturing strong, collaborative partnerships with key Design and Build contractors, positioning AECOM as the preferred consultancy partner in this critical market segment.

• Oversee the end-to-end process of identifying, pursuing, and securing major D&B opportunities, including robust bid governance and Go/No-Go decision-making.

• Champion AECOM's values, including Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and foster a high-performance culture focused on client satisfaction, continuous improvement, and employee development within the Water UK&I leadership team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within AECOM's Water UK&I business, focusing specifically on the Design & Build (D&B) contractor market. The emphasis is on strategic growth, commercial acumen, and strong stakeholder management within a complex, project-driven environment. The "Head of" title indicates significant autonomy and responsibility for a specific market segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive market growth plan for the contractor-led D&B space, aligning with AECOM's overarching Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

• Collaborate with Client Account Managers and Business Unit Directors to identify, track, and proactively pursue new D&B opportunities, ensuring timely integration into business planning systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor D&B ecosystem through effective internal and external communication of market strategy and capabilities.

• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with key contractors and their design teams to facilitate targeted pursuit of high-value projects and frameworks.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively engaging with contractor clients, monitoring performance through metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS), and implementing data-informed improvement actions.

• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture by exemplifying AECOM's values, championing EDI initiatives, and promoting employee engagement, development, and retention.

• Partner with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements for D&B projects and lead recruitment efforts for strategic and senior D&B roles.

• Collaborate with AECOM teams across Europe and globally to ensure seamless delivery of multidisciplinary D&B projects and programmes, showcasing AECOM's work-winning strengths.

• Provide strong leadership in bid governance for major contractor-led projects, including rigorous Go/No-Go assessment, and offer support for smaller pursuits.

• Lead by example in promoting a strong Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) culture, ensuring adherence to AECOM SH&E policies and procedures and achieving core SH&E metrics for the Water business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic market development, business development, client relationship management, team leadership, and operational oversight (bid governance, SH&E). The role requires a strong understanding of the D&B project lifecycle and AECOM's place within it.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated success in building, leading, and developing high-performing leadership teams and multidisciplinary project delivery teams.

• Proven track record in securing major frameworks, winning new business opportunities, and growing existing contracts within the D&B space.

• Significant commercial and contract management expertise, including experience with various D&B contract models.

Required Skills:

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

• Business Development & Work Winning: Proven ability to identify opportunities, build client relationships, and secure major D&B projects and frameworks.

• Commercial Acumen & Contract Management: Strong understanding of commercial principles, contract negotiation, and risk management within D&B projects.

• Leadership & Team Management: Experience in leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams, fostering talent development, coaching, and driving performance.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven capability in managing client expectations, driving satisfaction, and fostering long-term relationships.

• Project Governance: Experience in bid governance processes, including Go/No-Go decision-making for major projects.

• Health & Safety Leadership: Commitment to and experience in promoting and implementing robust SH&E policies and procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, including current challenges and future investment trends.

• Data-Led Performance Improvement: Experience in utilizing data (e.g., NPS) to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and building a diverse workforce.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with global and regional teams to deliver integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize senior-level experience, strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and strong leadership capabilities, particularly within the UK water and D&B contracting environment. The mention of "matrixed multinational consultancy" suggests experience with complex organizational structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of developing and implementing successful market strategies for specific business segments, with a focus on measurable growth outcomes.

• Case studies demonstrating successful acquisition of major D&B contracts or frameworks, detailing the pursuit strategy, client engagement, and commercial wins.

• Examples of leadership in managing complex, multidisciplinary project delivery teams and fostering high performance.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation or presentation materials outlining strategic planning processes for market expansion, including market analysis, opportunity identification, and resource allocation.

• Examples of bid governance frameworks or processes managed, particularly for high-value D&B projects, including Go/No-Go criteria and decision-making.

• Demonstrations of how client feedback (e.g., NPS) has been used to inform and drive process improvements and enhance service delivery within a D&B context.

• Evidence of implementing and promoting SH&E policies and procedures within project teams, with a focus on achieving core safety metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design & Build role, a portfolio should showcase strategic impact, commercial success, and leadership capabilities. The focus is on demonstrating the ability to grow a business unit within a specific market segment and manage complex project pursuits.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Supports work-life balance by allowing a mix of office-based and remote work.

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, mentorship, and pathways for professional growth within AECOM.

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

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

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

• Pension Scheme: Contributory pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Health & Well-being Programs: Comprehensive benefits designed to support employee physical and mental well-being.

• Life Assurance: Coverage for dependents in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Professional Body Subscriptions: Support for maintaining professional memberships and accreditations.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model. The role requires significant commitment to meet business objectives, client needs, and project deadlines, which may necessitate working beyond standard hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on similar senior leadership roles in the UK infrastructure consulting sector, considering London as a primary location. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for large, multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting / Engineering Services

Company Size: AECOM is a global company with over 50,000 employees, positioning it as a major player in the infrastructure consulting sector. This large scale implies robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for global collaboration, but also a need for effective navigation within a matrixed organization.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with roots tracing back to 1910. This longevity signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a proven ability to adapt to evolving market demands.

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high level of visibility and direct influence within the business unit.

• Collaboration is expected with other Business Directors (including Strategy & Growth, Commercial Director), AECOM Europe & India leadership, and global Water and Contractor Market teams, highlighting a matrixed reporting and working structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Led Performance Improvement: AECOM emphasizes using data, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), to monitor client satisfaction and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

• Strategic Planning & Implementation: The role requires developing and executing a clear market strategy, aligning with broader company objectives.

• Collaborative Delivery: AECOM promotes a "one global team" approach, encouraging cross-functional and cross-border collaboration to deliver complex projects and leverage global expertise.

• Focus on Sustainability & Impact: A core tenet of AECOM's mission is "delivering a better world," with a strong emphasis on sustainable infrastructure solutions that address global challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by its global reach, commitment to sustainability, and emphasis on leveraging collective expertise. The "Head of" role implies a leadership position within a significant business unit, requiring strong collaboration within a matrixed structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, specifically focused on driving growth within a niche market segment (Design & Build contractors) of the Water sector. It sits within the leadership team of Water UK&I, indicating a strategic and influential capacity. The responsibilities involve market strategy, business development, and team leadership, positioning it as a high-impact role crucial for the company's revenue and market presence.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, providing a direct line to top leadership within the business unit. This structure allows for significant influence on strategic decisions related to the D&B market. Collaboration with other Directors and global teams suggests a broad network of internal stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build has a direct and significant impact on AECOM's revenue and market position within the UK & Ireland water sector. Success in this role means securing substantial D&B contracts, which directly contribute to the company's financial performance and its reputation as a leading infrastructure consultancy. The role is critical for translating AECOM's technical capabilities into commercial success in a key market segment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within the Water business, such as a Director of a larger region or a global leadership position overseeing D&B strategies across multiple geographies.

• Business Unit Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise and potentially lead the entire Water UK&I business unit or transition into other major business lines within AECOM.

• Influence on Global Strategy: Contribution to AECOM's global D&B strategy, influencing best practices and market approaches across different regions.

• Mentorship and Talent Development: A key aspect of the role involves nurturing the next generation of leaders within AECOM's D&B and Water practices, offering opportunities for personal growth through leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an operations or business development leader in the infrastructure sector, offering substantial impact, visibility, and clear pathways for career progression within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it will involve a combination of working from an AECOM office location and remotely. This model is designed to balance the need for in-person collaboration and client engagement with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Primary locations mentioned are London (specifically Aldgate Tower) and Exeter, United Kingdom. This offers flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to these regions, with the expectation of regular attendance at one of these primary hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices to ensure seamless teamwork with colleagues both in the office and working remotely. Expect opportunities for face-to-face interaction with senior leadership and project teams during office days.

• Operations Tools & Technology: AECOM likely provides access to a robust suite of digital tools for project management, communication, data analysis, and collaboration, supporting efficient operations regardless of work location.

• Team Interaction: Office days will facilitate direct engagement with the Water UK&I leadership team and other key personnel, fostering stronger working relationships and facilitating strategic discussions.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the hybrid nature and senior leadership level imply a degree of autonomy and flexibility. However, the demands of securing major contracts and managing client relationships will require adaptability, with potential for extended hours during critical bid periods or project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance of flexibility and in-person collaboration, crucial for a senior leadership role involving stakeholder management and team leadership. The specified office locations provide geographical anchors for in-person work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• First Interview: Likely with the Managing Director of Water UK&I, focusing on strategic vision, leadership philosophy, commercial acumen, and alignment with AECOM's values. Be prepared to discuss your approach to market growth and team leadership.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential second or third stage may involve a presentation or case study exercise. This could require you to outline your proposed strategy for growing AECOM's D&B contractor market share or present a past success story in winning a major D&B project. Focus on data-driven insights, strategic rationale, and anticipated ROI.

• Panel Interview: Further interviews may involve other senior leaders from the Water business, commercial teams, or regional leadership, assessing cultural fit, collaborative capabilities, and broader strategic alignment.

• Final Stages: May include discussions with HR regarding compensation and benefits, and potential final interviews with executive leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any case studies presented, focus on quantifiable results – revenue growth, contract value secured, market share increase, client satisfaction improvements (NPS scores), efficiency gains, and SH&E metric improvements.

• Strategic Narrative: Clearly articulate the strategic thinking behind your actions. Explain the market analysis, the chosen approach, the implementation challenges, and the ultimate outcomes.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase your ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams. Provide examples of how you have fostered collaboration and driven performance.

• Client Focus: Highlight your ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with contractors and other key stakeholders.

• D&B Expertise: Specifically tailor examples to the Design & Build contractor market, demonstrating your understanding of its unique dynamics, procurement routes, and client needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Strategy Development: Be ready to discuss how you would analyze the UK water D&B market, identify key growth opportunities, and develop a strategic plan for AECOM. Consider competitive landscape, emerging trends, and client needs.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage relationships with challenging contractors, internal leadership, and cross-functional teams to achieve project and business objectives.

• Commercial Negotiation & Risk Management: Be prepared to discuss your experience in negotiating complex D&B contracts and managing associated risks.

• Leadership & Team Building: Prepare examples of how you have built high-performing teams, fostered inclusivity, and managed performance in a senior leadership capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role like this will be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, commercial acumen, leadership capabilities, and proven success in the relevant market segment. A strong, evidence-based portfolio is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook): Essential for daily operations, reporting, presentations, and communication. Advanced Excel skills will be critical for financial modeling, data analysis, and bid preparation.

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Likely used for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and monitoring the sales pipeline. Proficiency in utilizing CRM data for strategic insights is expected.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com): While not directly managing projects, understanding their application and how AECOM's D&B services integrate with these systems is important for bid development and oversight.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Crucial for effective communication and collaboration within a hybrid and globally distributed team environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Expected to leverage these tools for analyzing market data, tracking business performance metrics (revenue, pipeline, win rates), and creating executive-level dashboards.

• Financial Reporting Software: Understanding how to interpret and utilize financial reports for strategic decision-making, bid profitability analysis, and resource allocation.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle): While not directly managing these, an understanding of how AECOM's core business operations are integrated through ERP systems will be beneficial for strategic planning and resource management.

• Contract Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes used to manage the lifecycle of D&B contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategic and leadership-focused, a strong understanding of the technology stack used for client management, project oversight, and business analytics is essential for informed decision-making and effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: This overarching purpose guides AECOM's work, emphasizing the creation of sustainable and impactful infrastructure solutions. For this role, it translates to driving D&B projects that contribute positively to public health and the environment.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, including bid processes, contract negotiations, and client interactions. This is fundamental for building trust with contractors and stakeholders.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): A core value that requires active promotion within the team. This means fostering a respectful environment, championing diverse perspectives, and building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities AECOM serves.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction and building strong, long-term relationships. In the D&B context, this means understanding and exceeding contractor expectations.

• Innovation & Excellence: Encouraging creative problem-solving and striving for the highest standards of technical and commercial delivery in all D&B pursuits and projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Global Teamwork: AECOM operates as "one global team." This role requires effective collaboration across different business units, geographies, and disciplines, leveraging collective expertise to win and deliver complex D&B projects.

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with Client Account Managers, Commercial Directors, and technical discipline leads is essential to ensure cohesive D&B strategies and successful project execution.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Fostering a culture where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and continuous learning are encouraged, particularly within the leadership team and with direct reports.

• Partnership with Contractors: Building a collaborative rather than purely transactional relationship with D&B contractors, positioning AECOM as a trusted partner throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture emphasizes its global reach, commitment to sustainability, and strong ethical framework, underpinned by a drive for excellence and inclusivity. The collaborative style is key to navigating its matrixed structure and delivering integrated solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating D&B Market Dynamics: The Design & Build contractor market can be highly competitive and fast-paced, requiring agile strategic planning and execution to secure opportunities.

• Balancing Growth with Profitability: Driving revenue growth while ensuring strong project profitability and managing commercial risks associated with D&B contracts.

• Leading in a Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing and collaborating across various internal teams and geographies to align strategies and secure resources for D&B pursuits.

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

• Driving SH&E Culture: Consistently embedding and reinforcing a strong safety culture across all D&B projects, which often involve significant site-based activities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Development: Access to AECOM's leadership programs, executive coaching, and opportunities to hone strategic decision-making skills at a senior level.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise in emerging trends within the UK water sector, new D&B procurement models, and advancements in sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Global Networking: Building relationships with peers and leaders across AECOM's international operations, gaining insights into global best practices in D&B and water infrastructure.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor emerging talent within AECOM and to be mentored by senior executives, fostering continuous professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior growth-focused role in a competitive industry, requiring strategic acumen, strong leadership, and excellent stakeholder management. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging AECOM's global platform.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategic approach to growing AECOM's Design & Build market share in the UK water sector over the next 3-5 years. What are the key opportunities and challenges you foresee?" (Focus on market analysis, strategic pillars, competitive positioning, and risk mitigation.)

• "How would you build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with key D&B contractors? Provide examples of successful contractor relationship management from your experience." (Highlight communication, trust-building, value proposition, and long-term engagement strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do AECOM's core values, particularly 'Delivering a Better World' and 'Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,' resonate with your leadership philosophy and how would you embed them within your team?" (Showcase genuine understanding and practical application of values.)

• "What is your experience in fostering a high-performance culture focused on client satisfaction and continuous improvement? How do you leverage data, such as NPS, to drive these outcomes?" (Provide concrete examples of performance management and feedback mechanisms.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key achievements: Market Growth, Major Wins, Team Leadership, and Client Relationships. Use a clear narrative for each case study: Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR method).

• Quantify Everything: For each success, present clear, quantifiable metrics: contract values, revenue growth percentages, win rates, client satisfaction scores, project delivery improvements, etc.

• Focus on Strategic Rationale: Explain why you made certain decisions. What was the market insight? What was the strategic objective? How did your actions achieve it?

• Demonstrate D&B Expertise: Tailor your examples to showcase your understanding of the D&B contractor landscape, procurement methods, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the water sector.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your most impactful examples concisely, allowing time for discussion and deeper dives into specific areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial leadership, proven success in the D&B contractor space, and a strong understanding of AECOM's values and operational context.

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📌 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 senior leadership experience, proven success in business development within the D&B contractor market (specifically water sector if possible), commercial management expertise, and team leadership achievements. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design & Build," "contractor-led market," "water sector," "strategic planning," and "commercial acumen."

• Prepare a compelling cover letter: Articulate your understanding of AECOM's mission and values, your specific interest in the Head of Design & Build role, and how your experience directly aligns with the key responsibilities and qualifications.

• Curate your portfolio: Begin gathering evidence of your strategic planning, business development successes, leadership achievements, and client relationship management. Focus on quantifiable results and be ready to present concise case studies that demonstrate your impact.

• Research AECOM thoroughly: Understand their current projects, strategic priorities (especially in the Water UK&I sector), company values, and recent news. This will be crucial for tailoring your application and demonstrating your engagement during interviews.

⚠️ 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.