Head of Design & Build, Water UK&I

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: London, United Kingdom (with potential for Manchester, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Sector Operations & Business Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: Senior Leadership (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant growth within the contractor-led Design and Build market in the UK & Ireland water sector.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy, aligning with AECOM's global and regional Water business objectives.

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring exceptional delivery of complex water infrastructure projects.

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key contractors, designers, and internal stakeholders to secure and deliver high-value opportunities.

• Champion AECOM's values, including a strong commitment to Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Water UK&I leadership team, indicating a strategic position with significant P&L or revenue growth responsibility. The focus on "Design & Build" and "contractor-led space" suggests a B2B operations and business development function within the infrastructure consulting domain, requiring strong commercial acumen and market understanding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the contractor-led market growth plan for the Water UK&I business.

• Collaborate with Client Account Managers and Business Directors to identify, track, and secure new Design & Build opportunities within the water sector.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor community through effective internal and external communication and partnership building.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, implementing feedback (e.g., Net Promoter Score), and ensuring project success.

• Cultivate a high-performing, inclusive team culture, promoting employee engagement, continuous development, and adherence to AECOM's values.

• Work closely with Business Unit Directors to forecast and manage medium to long-term resource requirements, including strategic recruitment for senior roles.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration with global and European teams to leverage AECOM's full capabilities in work-winning and project delivery.

• Oversee bid governance and lead Go/No-Go decisions for major contractor-led projects and programmes.

• Champion and ensure rigorous adherence to AECOM's Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) policies and procedures, aiming to achieve core SH&E metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic market growth and operational project oversight. The emphasis on "bid governance" and "Go/No-Go process" indicates a critical role in the sales and project acquisition lifecycle, requiring strong commercial judgment and risk assessment capabilities within the infrastructure consulting operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in a relevant engineering, construction, or business discipline is typically expected for a senior leadership role of this nature. Advanced degrees or professional certifications in project management, business administration, or specific engineering fields may be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience within a matrixed multinational consultancy, contractor, or key water-sector supplier. Proven track record in business development, winning major frameworks and contracts, and managing large-scale Design & Build projects. Demonstrated experience in leading and growing diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, complex environment.

Required Skills:

• Senior leadership and team management in a multinational, matrixed organization.

• Deep understanding of the UK & Ireland water markets, including key contractors and industry drivers.

• Proven success in business development, strategic planning, and market entry.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise, including bid governance and negotiation.

• Strong client relationship management and ability to drive client satisfaction.

• Experience in talent development, coaching, and fostering inclusive team cultures.

• Robust attention to detail with a strong focus on Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design & Build delivery models within the water sector.

• Familiarity with European socio-political and economic drivers impacting the water industry.

• Demonstrated ability to implement data-led performance improvements.

• Experience in digital innovation within infrastructure projects.

• Membership in relevant professional bodies (e.g., CIWEM, ICE).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and emphasis on "senior leadership" strongly suggest this role is for an individual who has progressed through operational and commercial roles in the infrastructure sector, with a significant portion dedicated to strategic leadership and market development within the water industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic growth plans for market segments.

• Case studies showcasing the winning and delivery of major Design & Build frameworks or projects within the water sector, highlighting your leadership role and impact.

• Examples of successful client relationship management and partnership development with key contractors.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating your approach to team leadership, talent development, and fostering inclusive work environments.

Process Documentation:

• A clear methodology for market analysis, opportunity identification, and strategic pursuit within the contractor-led space.

• Frameworks for managing bid governance, including Go/No-Go processes and risk assessment for major projects.

• Strategies for performance monitoring and continuous improvement of client satisfaction and project delivery.

• Approaches to resource planning, talent acquisition, and team development within a large, multidisciplinary organization.

• Protocols for ensuring SH&E compliance and driving a positive safety culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role like this, a "portfolio" would likely manifest as a structured presentation or detailed case studies during interviews, showcasing strategic thinking, commercial success, and leadership capabilities rather than a formal document submission. The emphasis is on demonstrating past achievements and strategic approaches.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior leadership level (Head of), 10+ years of experience, strategic responsibility, and location in London, a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in UK infrastructure consulting, the estimated annual base salary could range from £120,000 to £180,000+. This range is subject to variation based on specific experience, qualifications, and AECOM's internal compensation structure. Performance-based bonuses, long-term incentive plans, and other financial rewards are also likely components of the total compensation.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

• Comprehensive career development opportunities and access to AECOM University for continuous learning.

• Participation in technical practice networks for professional growth and knowledge sharing.

• Generous volunteering days to contribute to community initiatives.

• Access to a wide array of well-being programs and personalized benefits.

• Potential for participation in stock purchase plans or other equity-based incentives common in publicly traded firms.

• Pension scheme and life assurance.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as full-time, with a standard expectation of 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership nature and potential for global collaboration, flexibility may be required, with the hybrid model offering some autonomy over daily work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for senior leadership roles in major infrastructure consulting firms in London, considering the scope of responsibility for market growth and project oversight in a critical sector. Benefits are drawn directly from the provided text and supplemented with common offerings for such positions in multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting. AECOM operates globally, providing a broad range of professional services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. The company is a Fortune 500 firm with a significant focus on delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions and addressing complex global challenges.

Company Size: Global team of over 50,000 professionals. This large scale provides opportunities for broad collaboration, access to diverse expertise, and significant project impact. For operations professionals, it means navigating a complex, matrixed organization but also offers extensive resources and career pathways.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910. This long history signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a well-established reputation in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Water UK&I business unit is substantial, with approximately 600 professionals. This role sits within the Water UK&I leadership team.

• The reporting structure places the Head of Design & Build directly under the Managing Director of Water, with close collaboration with Business Directors, the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, and the Commercial Director.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for market strategy development and performance monitoring, as indicated by the mention of data-led performance improvements and Net Promoter Score feedback.

• Workflow planning and optimization are inherent in managing Design & Build projects and driving efficiency within the business unit.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implied through the drive for growth and optimal project delivery, though not explicitly detailed as a core function of this specific role.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as collaborative, focused on delivering a "better world," and championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The "Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity" tagline suggests a supportive environment for personal and professional development. The scale of AECOM implies a structured, process-oriented environment where operational excellence is highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within the operations and business development functions of a large multinational consultancy. It carries significant accountability for revenue growth, strategic market penetration, and team leadership within a specialized sector. The role requires a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and operational execution oversight.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water, signifying a high level of visibility and direct impact on the business unit's strategic direction. Collaboration with various directors and global teams underscores the interconnectedness of AECOM's operations.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue generation and market position within the UK&I water sector. Success in this role contributes directly to AECOM's overall mission of delivering a better world through infrastructure. The role is pivotal in shaping the company's engagement with a critical segment of the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher leadership positions within AECOM's Water business, potentially to Managing Director or global leadership roles.

• Expansion of responsibilities to encompass broader market segments or geographical regions within AECOM's consulting services.

• Opportunities to influence AECOM's strategic direction in the infrastructure consulting market and contribute to significant industry-shaping projects.

• Development of expertise in emerging areas of water infrastructure, such as sustainability, resilience, and digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a significant step in a career path focused on leadership within the infrastructure consulting industry. The "Head of" title and direct reporting line to an MD indicate a high potential for future growth and leadership influence within AECOM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM emphasizes a "hybrid working model," indicating a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work. The primary location is London (Aldgate Tower), with potential for work in Manchester. This model aims to balance the need for in-person teamwork and strategic discussions with the flexibility and autonomy of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Aldgate Tower, London, a prominent business district. Manchester is also mentioned as a potential location, suggesting a distributed presence within the UK&I.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a flexible workspace, allowing professionals to choose their environment based on the task at hand, promoting efficiency and work-life integration.

• Collaboration is facilitated through a combination of in-office meetings, digital collaboration tools, and potentially client-site visits.

• AECOM likely provides access to modern office facilities and the necessary digital infrastructure to support seamless hybrid operations.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility in how and where work is performed. This structure supports sustained operational focus while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, reflecting modern workplace trends. For operations roles, this means a need for strong self-management, digital collaboration skills, and the ability to maintain team cohesion and drive operational excellence across different work locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the CV and potentially a brief screening call with HR or a recruitment partner to assess baseline qualifications and cultural fit.

• First Interview: Focus on strategic leadership, market understanding, and commercial experience. Expect questions related to business development success, growth strategy, and your understanding of the UK water market and contractor landscape. Preparation for this stage should include detailed examples of past achievements.

• Second Interview/Panel: This stage will likely involve senior leadership from the Water UK&I business, possibly including the Managing Director. It will delve deeper into leadership style, team management, SH&E commitment, and how you embody AECOM's values. Case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to market challenges and opportunities may be presented.

• Final Interview/Assessment: May involve a presentation to a leadership panel, focusing on your proposed strategy for the Design & Build market or a review of a significant past project. This is where your portfolio of achievements and strategic thinking will be thoroughly examined.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Vision: Be prepared to articulate your vision for growing AECOM's Design & Build contractor business. This should be data-informed and demonstrate an understanding of market trends and competitive dynamics.

• Commercial Acumen: Highlight specific achievements in securing major contracts, managing commercial risks, and driving profitability. Quantify your impact with metrics wherever possible.

• Leadership & Team Building: Showcase your ability to lead, mentor, and develop diverse, high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you foster collaboration, inclusion, and employee engagement.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Present case studies of successful Design & Build projects, emphasizing your role in overcoming challenges, ensuring client satisfaction, and achieving SH&E targets.

• Alignment with AECOM Values: Clearly demonstrate how your leadership style and approach align with AECOM's commitment to sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, and SH&E.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Strategy Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a high-level market strategy for the Design & Build contractor space in the UK water sector, including key growth levers and potential challenges.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would address specific operational or commercial challenges, such as declining market share, competitive pressures, or talent retention issues.

• Leadership Style Assessment: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you motivate teams, manage performance, and drive cultural change.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior leadership role will be rigorous, focusing not only on technical and commercial skills but also on strategic thinking, leadership presence, and cultural alignment. A well-prepared candidate will demonstrate a clear understanding of AECOM's business, the water sector, and how they can drive tangible results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Essential for managing client relationships, tracking opportunities, and sales pipeline management. Proficiency in utilizing CRM data for strategic decision-making is key.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com): For overseeing project timelines, resource allocation, and progress tracking on complex Design & Build projects.

• Financial Management & ERP Systems: For budgeting, forecasting, contract management, and overall financial oversight of projects and business units.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): For creating dashboards, analyzing market trends, tracking KPIs, and reporting on business performance to senior leadership.

• Data Analysis Platforms: Ability to interpret data from various sources to inform strategic decisions and identify areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): For seamless communication and collaboration across dispersed teams and geographies.

• Document Management Systems (e.g., SharePoint): For organized storage and retrieval of project documentation, proposals, and contractual agreements.

• Potential for specialized engineering/design software interfaces: While not directly managing design, understanding how AECOM's design tools integrate into the Design & Build process is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific tools, a senior leader in this role would be expected to have a strong understanding of and experience with enterprise-level CRM, project management, and BI/analytics platforms commonly used in large consulting firms to drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: A core AECOM value that emphasizes the long-term impact and sustainability of projects. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to this mission by ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality project delivery.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): AECOM actively champions EDI. This means fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where diverse talents are recognized and valued. Leaders are expected to drive this culture within their teams.

• Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E): A paramount value in the infrastructure sector. Operations leaders must exemplify a strong safety culture and ensure rigorous adherence to SH&E policies and metrics.

• Integrity & Entrepreneurial Spirit: AECOM values individuals who are honest, transparent, and proactive in seeking innovative solutions and driving business growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various internal departments (strategy, commercial, finance, global teams) and external partners (contractors, designers).

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations are expected to be informed by data and performance metrics, fostering a culture of objective analysis and continuous improvement.

• Respectful & Inclusive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, seeking diverse perspectives, and providing constructive feedback are key to effective collaboration within AECOM's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "values" suggests that cultural fit and demonstrated commitment to AECOM's principles are as important as technical and commercial skills for this leadership position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector is highly competitive, requiring continuous innovation and strategic positioning to secure Design & Build opportunities.

• Navigating a Matrixed Organization: Effectively collaborating and influencing across diverse global and regional teams within AECOM can be challenging but is crucial for success.

• Resource Management: Balancing resource allocation across multiple high-value projects and forecasting future needs in a dynamic market requires strategic foresight.

• Driving SH&E Culture: Maintaining and improving SH&E performance across all projects and teams is an ongoing challenge that requires constant vigilance and leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and executive presence.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise in evolving areas of water infrastructure, such as climate resilience, digital twin technology, and sustainable asset management.

• Mentorship and Networking: Access to senior leaders within AECOM and the broader industry, providing invaluable guidance and networking opportunities.

• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Working with international teams offers insights into diverse operational methodologies and project delivery approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly for individuals aiming for top-tier leadership positions in the infrastructure consulting sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategic approach to growing a contractor-led Design & Build market share in a competitive sector like UK Water." (Prepare by outlining a structured approach: market analysis, target identification, value proposition, partnership strategy, execution plan).

• "How would you foster collaboration between AECOM's design teams and external contractors to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction, especially within a hybrid work model?" (Focus on communication protocols, joint planning, feedback mechanisms, and leveraging digital tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about AECOM's mission to 'Deliver a Better World,' and how does this role contribute to that mission?" (Connect your role's impact on infrastructure development and sustainability to the company's overarching purpose).

• "Describe a time you successfully led a diverse, multidisciplinary team through a challenging project or market condition. What was your leadership style, and what were the outcomes?" (Prepare a STAR method response that highlights your leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your narrative: For each key achievement (e.g., winning a major contract, implementing a growth strategy), use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate the context, your role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on impact and leadership: Emphasize your direct contribution and leadership in driving results. Quantify achievements using metrics related to revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements, client satisfaction, and team development.

• Tailor to AECOM: Demonstrate a clear understanding of AECOM's business, its values, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the UK Water sector. Show how your experience aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.

• Be ready for deep dives: Prepare to discuss the intricacies of your case studies, including challenges faced, decisions made, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial acumen, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure consulting business, particularly within the water sector. Being able to articulate your past successes with data and connect them to AECOM's strategic objectives will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your senior leadership experience, specific achievements in business development within the water sector, contract management successes, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Use keywords present in the job description, such as "Design & Build," "contractor-led market," "UK Water sector," "strategic planning," and "commercial management."

• Prepare a compelling narrative: Be ready to articulate your strategic vision for the role and how your experience directly addresses AECOM's needs in growing the Design & Build contractor business. Practice presenting your key achievements using the STAR method, focusing on quantifiable results and leadership impact.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's company values, recent projects, strategic priorities (especially in the Water UK&I business), and market position. This will enable you to demonstrate cultural fit and strategic alignment during interviews.

• Network (Optional but Recommended): If you have connections at AECOM, reach out to them for insights into the company culture and the specific team dynamics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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