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) / Belfast, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Sector Operations & Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive business development initiatives, cultivate key relationships with contractors, and oversee the pursuit of high-value projects to expand AECOM's market share.

• Manage and develop multidisciplinary teams, ensuring exceptional project delivery, client satisfaction, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Implement data-led performance improvements and market strategies, aligning with AECOM's global objectives and regional business plans for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Champion Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a senior leader with a strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of the UK water market, specifically within the contractor-led D&B segment. The focus is on strategic growth, client relationship management, and operational leadership within a complex, multinational consultancy environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive market growth plan for the contractor-led D&B segment within the Water UK&I business, aligning with the overarching Water UK&I Strategic Plan.

• Collaborate closely with Client Account Managers to identify, track, and proactively engage with new business opportunities, ensuring timely integration into business planning and pursuit systems.

• Enhance AECOM Water's visibility and reputation within the contractor-led market through clear internal and external communication of the market strategy and capabilities.

• Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with key contractors and designers to effectively target and secure high-value D&B projects.

• Drive exceptional client satisfaction by actively monitoring performance, implementing improvement actions based on Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback, and ensuring delivery excellence.

• Foster a high-performance culture by exemplifying AECOM's values, championing EDI, promoting employee engagement, and supporting continuous professional development for team members.

• Work with Business Unit Directors to forecast medium and long-term resource requirements, leading recruitment efforts for strategic and senior roles to build capacity.

• Collaborate with European and global teams to deliver integrated multidisciplinary projects and programs, showcasing AECOM's work-winning capabilities and technical expertise.

• Oversee bid governance and the Go/No-Go process for major contractor-led projects and programmes, providing strategic support for smaller pursuits to ensure robust and successful outcomes.

• 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 blend of strategic leadership, business development, client management, and operational oversight, with a strong emphasis on driving growth within a specific market segment (contractor-led D&B). The role requires significant cross-functional collaboration and a commitment to AECOM's core values.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, or related), Construction Management, or a related technical 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 a key water-sector supplier, with a proven track record in leading and growing water businesses, business development, bidding, and delivering major projects and strategy implementation.

Required Skills:

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

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

• Strong knowledge of the UK & Ireland water markets, key contractors, and wider European socio-political and economic drivers.

• Demonstrated ability to provide growth-focused leadership, including talent development and coaching.

• Extensive commercial and contract management expertise.

• Track record of securing major frameworks, winning new opportunities, and growing existing contracts.

• Strong client relationship management capabilities.

• Solid attention to detail with experience delivering effective health & safety initiatives.

• Experienced in motivating and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Skills:

• In-depth understanding of Design & Build (D&B) project delivery models and contractor dynamics.

• Experience with strategic planning and market analysis specific to the water infrastructure sector.

• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and performance improvement methodologies.

• Strong communication and presentation skills for internal and external stakeholder engagement.

• Experience in managing P&L for a business unit or significant market segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize deep sector-specific knowledge, strong leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, and a proven ability to drive growth and manage complex projects. The inclusion of EDI as a core leadership competency is a significant aspect of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful leadership in developing and executing market growth strategies within the water sector.

• Case studies showcasing successful contract negotiation and management, particularly in Design & Build frameworks.

• Examples of building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams for complex infrastructure projects.

• Evidence of driving client satisfaction and managing key stakeholder relationships, particularly with contractors.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for opportunity identification, tracking, and pipeline management within a D&B context.

• Methodologies for implementing data-led performance improvements and monitoring key metrics like NPS.

• Frameworks for bid governance and the Go/No-Go decision-making process for major projects.

• Strategies for fostering a culture of Safety, Health, and Environment (SH&E) excellence and ensuring compliance.

• Approaches to talent development, coaching, and managing diverse teams within a project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should be prepared to showcase portfolio items that illustrate their strategic leadership, commercial success, team management capabilities, and experience in driving growth within the water sector, particularly in contractor-led D&B environments. The focus will be on demonstrating impact through process and strategic execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While specific figures are not provided, a senior leadership role of this magnitude in London, UK, typically commands a competitive salary reflecting extensive experience, strategic responsibility, and market demand. Based on industry benchmarks for Directors in large engineering consultancies with similar responsibilities in a major metropolitan area, a range of £120,000 - £180,000 per annum is a reasonable estimate, potentially higher for exceptional candidates. This estimate considers the seniority, strategic impact, and location.

Benefits:

• Career development opportunities, including access to AECOM University for continuous learning.

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

• Participation in Technical Practice Networks for knowledge sharing and professional growth.

• Opportunities for volunteering days to contribute to the community.

• Comprehensive health and well-being programs tailored to employee needs.

• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking within a global firm.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as full-time, typically indicating around 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership and strategic nature of the position, flexibility and a commitment beyond standard hours may be expected to meet business objectives and client demands. The hybrid model offers flexibility in where work is performed, but the volume of work may necessitate extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar senior leadership roles in engineering consulting firms in London, UK. It accounts for the extensive experience required, the strategic importance of the role, and the cost of living in London. Benefits are derived directly from the job description and are typical for a large multinational corporation.

🎯 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.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established, and resource-rich organization with established processes and a global reach.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910. With over a century of experience, the company has a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design & Build reports directly to the Managing Director of Water and collaborates closely with Business Directors, including the Water UK Director of Strategy and Growth, Commercial Director, AECOM Europe & India leadership, and Global Water and Contractor Market teams.

• This role will lead the development and management of teams focused on the contractor-led Design & Build segment within the Water UK&I business.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-led approach to performance improvement and client satisfaction, utilizing metrics like Net Promoter Score (NPS).

• Strategic planning and market analysis are crucial for driving growth, particularly in identifying and pursuing new opportunities within specific market segments.

• The company champions a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous development, supported by global resources like AECOM University and technical practice networks.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by its global presence, emphasis on delivering impactful infrastructure, commitment to professional development, and a focus on collaborative, data-driven approaches. The company's size and history suggest a stable, yet dynamic, work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within the operations and strategy function of the Water UK&I business. It involves significant strategic responsibility, P&L oversight (implied through growth targets and project accountability), and leadership of substantial teams and market segments. The role is pivotal in shaping the future direction of AECOM's contractor-led Design & Build business in the water sector.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director of Water UK&I, indicating a high level of visibility and direct influence on the business unit's strategic direction. Collaboration with other senior leaders across various functions (Strategy, Commercial, Global Water, Contractor Market teams) is essential, highlighting a matrixed reporting and collaboration environment.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design & Build has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's revenue growth, market positioning, and client relationships within the UK&I water sector. Success in this role directly contributes to AECOM's overall mission of delivering a better world through infrastructure solutions, particularly by shaping the delivery of critical water and wastewater assets through contractor partnerships. The role is integral to winning and delivering major projects that address societal needs for clean water and environmental protection.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Advancement: Potential to progress to higher executive leadership roles within AECOM's Water business or other sectors, potentially leading larger regions or global initiatives.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in market strategy, business development, large-scale project governance, and leadership within the complex water infrastructure landscape. Opportunities for advanced leadership training through AECOM University and external executive programs.

• Leadership Expansion: Opportunity to build and expand the Design & Build team, developing future leaders and shaping the talent pipeline for critical roles within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for career advancement within a major global consultancy. The impact is measurable through business growth, project success, and team development. The emphasis on strategic leadership and market development positions the incumbent for further executive opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," meaning a blend of working from an AECOM office and remotely. This suggests a modern approach to work that balances the need for in-person collaboration and focused remote work. The primary location is London (Aldgate Tower), with Belfast also listed as a potential location.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: UK - London - Aldgate Tower. This is a prominent business location in London, suggesting a professional and well-equipped office environment.

• Alternative: Belfast, United Kingdom. This indicates flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Northern Ireland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model implies opportunities for in-person collaboration with colleagues on projects, strategy sessions, and team meetings within AECOM offices. Expected to foster strong working relationships with senior leadership and project teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, implying access to sophisticated project management software, collaboration tools, data analytics platforms, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technologies relevant to design and build projects.

• Team Interaction: While remote work is part of the hybrid model, the role requires active engagement with various teams, including project delivery teams, client account managers, commercial departments, and global AECOM leadership, necessitating effective virtual and in-person communication.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, but the hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in scheduling. However, as a senior leadership role responsible for growth and major projects, extended hours will often be necessary to meet deadlines, client expectations, and strategic objectives. The focus is on outcomes and effective delivery rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model in a major city like London suggests a professional and flexible work environment. Candidates should expect a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work, with a focus on results and strategic contribution rather than rigid hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment specialist, focusing on senior leadership experience, water sector knowledge, and commercial acumen.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Managing Director of Water UK&I, focusing on strategic vision, leadership philosophy, understanding of the D&B contractor market, and alignment with AECOM's values.

• Panel Interview: May involve senior leaders from relevant business units, commercial, and potentially global teams. This stage will delve deeper into operational experience, case studies, and strategic problem-solving. Questions will assess leadership effectiveness, business development success, and ability to manage complex projects and teams.

• Final Assessment/Presentation: Potentially a presentation by the candidate on their strategic approach to growing the D&B contractor market for AECOM Water UK&I, or a discussion around a hypothetical business challenge. This assesses strategic thinking, communication, and understanding of AECOM's business context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Growth Case Studies: Prepare detailed examples of past successes in developing and executing market growth strategies, specifically within the water sector or similar infrastructure industries. Quantify achievements (e.g., % revenue increase, number of new contracts secured).

• Contract & Commercial Expertise: Showcase experience in negotiating and managing large-scale contracts, particularly Design & Build frameworks. Highlight your role in bid governance and ensuring profitable project delivery.

• Leadership & Team Management: Provide examples of how you have built, led, motivated, and developed diverse, multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing your approach to talent development and fostering an inclusive culture.

• Client Relationship Management: Present instances where you have built and maintained strong relationships with key clients, especially contractors, leading to repeat business and enhanced client satisfaction.

• Process Improvement & Performance: Be ready to discuss how you've used data (e.g., NPS) to drive performance improvements, optimize workflows, and enhance project delivery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Entry/Growth Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach growing AECOM's D&B contractor market share, considering competitive landscape, key challenges, and strategic initiatives.

• Team Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming teams, resolving inter-team conflicts, or fostering innovation within a diverse workforce.

• Risk Management & Governance: Prepare to discuss your approach to managing risks associated with large D&B projects and your experience with bid governance processes.

• EDI Integration: Articulate how you would embed EDI principles into team management, recruitment, and project delivery to foster a truly inclusive environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just past achievements but also a strategic vision for AECOM's D&B contractor business. The interview process will likely assess leadership capabilities, commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating quantifiable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in enterprise-level project management platforms (e.g., Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Aconex) for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking of large D&B projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for seamless communication, document sharing, and virtual team collaboration in a hybrid environment.

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and monitoring sales pipelines.

• Data Analytics & BI Tools: Familiarity with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for analyzing performance metrics, market trends, and financial data to inform strategic decisions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Reporting Tools: Understanding of financial management systems and reporting tools to monitor project profitability, budget adherence, and overall financial health of the D&B segment.

• Performance Dashboards: Experience in developing or utilizing dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue growth, client satisfaction (NPS), project delivery milestones, and SH&E metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Contract Management Software: Familiarity with specialized contract management systems to track contract terms, obligations, and compliance for major D&B projects.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potential exposure to or understanding of how workflow automation can streamline processes in business development, bid management, and project administration.

• Data Integration Tools: Awareness of how data from various systems (CRM, Project Management, Finance) can be integrated to provide a holistic view of business performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the nature of AECOM's business and the role's responsibilities imply a need for proficiency in enterprise-level project management, CRM, collaboration, and data analytics platforms. A strategic understanding of how these tools support business growth and operational efficiency is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: This core AECOM value emphasizes the company's commitment to creating positive and tangible impacts through infrastructure projects that benefit society and the environment. For this role, it means driving growth in projects that provide sustainable solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings, including client interactions, bidding processes, and project execution, is paramount.

• Collaboration: Fostering a strong sense of teamwork and partnership, both internally across AECOM's global network and externally with contractors and clients, to achieve shared objectives.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Actively promoting a workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and have equal opportunities to contribute and grow, regardless of background. This is a specific leadership expectation for this role.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and approaches to solve complex infrastructure challenges and improve project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with various internal departments (Commercial, Strategy, Global teams) and external partners (contractors, designers) to ensure cohesive project execution and business development efforts.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Embracing a culture where decisions are informed by robust data analysis, performance metrics, and client feedback (e.g., NPS), fostering a continuous improvement mindset.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Promoting an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are encouraged to enhance team performance and collective learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is deeply rooted in AECOM's global values, with a particular emphasis on EDI integrated into leadership expectations. The operations style is expected to be collaborative, data-informed, and focused on delivering impactful, sustainable infrastructure solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The UK water sector is highly competitive, with established players and evolving regulatory landscapes. Differentiating AECOM's D&B offering and securing market share requires strategic acumen and strong client relationships.

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

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top senior talent in a high-demand market, especially for specialized roles within the D&B water sector, presents an ongoing challenge.

• Project Complexity & Risk: Managing large-scale, multidisciplinary D&B projects inherently involves significant technical, commercial, and contractual risks that require robust governance and proactive management.

• Adapting to Technological Advancements: Staying abreast of and integrating new technologies (e.g., digital twins, advanced analytics, AI in design) into D&B processes to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Programs: Access to AECOM University and external executive development programs to hone leadership, strategic planning, and business acumen.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading water sector and infrastructure conferences, expanding professional networks and staying current with industry trends.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Potential for mentorship from senior AECOM executives and opportunities to mentor junior leaders, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Cross-Sector Exposure: Possibility to gain exposure to other sectors within AECOM's portfolio, broadening understanding of different infrastructure challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to market dynamics, organizational complexity, and project execution. However, these challenges are coupled with substantial growth opportunities, particularly in leadership development and strategic influence within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your strategic approach to growing a contractor-led Design & Build business in the UK water sector. What are the key drivers and potential barriers?" (Focus on market analysis, value proposition, and competitive positioning.)

• "How would you foster strong, long-term partnerships with major water sector contractors to secure high-value frameworks and projects?" (Emphasize relationship building, understanding contractor needs, and demonstrating AECOM's value.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM is committed to 'Delivering a Better World' and championing EDI. How would you integrate these values into your leadership of the Design & Build team and your interactions with external partners?" (Demonstrate understanding of AECOM's core values and how you'd operationalize them.)

• "Describe your experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed environment. How do you ensure collaboration and high performance across different functions and geographies?" (Focus on communication, conflict resolution, and leveraging diverse strengths.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your case studies: For each key achievement, clearly outline the challenge, your approach/strategy, the actions taken, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth, project wins, client satisfaction improvements, efficiency gains).

• Highlight leadership and commercial impact: Emphasize your role as a leader in driving these outcomes and the commercial benefits realized by AECOM.

• Demonstrate understanding of D&B: Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of Design & Build projects, contractor dynamics, and the unique challenges and opportunities within this delivery model.

• Connect to AECOM's values: Frame your experience and achievements in the context of AECOM's mission, values, and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strategic thinking, commercial leadership, proven ability to drive growth, and a strong understanding of the UK water D&B market. Candidates should be ready to articulate their leadership philosophy and how they embody AECOM's core values, particularly EDI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter through AECOM's careers portal via the provided link.

• Enhance your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight senior leadership experience, specific achievements in business development, commercial management, project delivery within the water sector, and experience with contractor-led Design & Build projects. Quantify your successes with data and metrics.

• Craft a targeted cover letter: Clearly articulate your understanding of AECOM's mission, the specific requirements of the Head of Design & Build role, and how your expertise aligns with driving growth in the UK&I water contractor market. Emphasize your leadership philosophy and commitment to EDI.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather specific examples of successful market growth strategies, major project wins, contract negotiations, and team leadership initiatives. Be ready to present these with a focus on strategy, execution, and measurable results.

• Research AECOM thoroughly: Understand AECOM's current projects, strategic priorities, and company culture, particularly its commitment to sustainability and EDI. Familiarize yourself with the UK water sector's landscape and key contractor players.

⚠️ 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.